Colorado Immersion Training
What is Colorado Immersion Training?
Applications for the 2026 CCTSI Colorado Immersion Training (CIT) in Community Engagement will be accepted through March 2, 2026.
The Colorado Immersion Training (CIT) is a unique community-campus educational initiative that aims to introduce an expanded pool of researchers to community-based participatory research (CBPR) and community engagement. CIT supports a change in the research trajectory of junior faculty, early career researchers and doctoral students towards community engagement. CIT is a six-month program for researchers from all disciplines seeking new skills and knowledge in community engaged translational research.
- Learn core principles of community-based participatory research and community engaged translational research
- Develop skills to engage community partners in research
- Spend time in a local Colorado community to learn first-hand about the community and begin relationship-building
- Receive ongoing technical assistance and coaching from CCTSI Faculty and Staff
- Learn about special funding opportunities
Who should apply?
CIT is for researchers from all health-related disciplines seeking new skills and knowledge in community engagement and CBPR. Faculty, early career researchers, instructors, fellows, post-doctoral researchers and doctoral students are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be housed at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus or another CCTSI-affiliated institution and have the ability to write grants. See the FAQ or application for additional information about eligibility.
2026 Tracks
Asian Refugee
CIT Participants will be introduced to the Asian Refugee community within in the Denver Metro area. They will experience the different cultures of the Asian communities such as Vietnamese, Chinese, Cambodian, Burmese, Nepalese, etc. This track will provide a history of the community in this region, deepen participants understanding of their culture and how these factors impact interest and ability to engage in research. Participants will have the opportunity to visit temples, Asian supermarkets and gift shops, and various organizations providing health and social care services to the community. Through CIT, participants will gain an understanding of the lived experiences that shape community perspectives around research and begin fostering connections for future community-driven programs and research opportunities.
Urban African American
Track Description: CIT participants will be introduced to the African American community within the Denver Metro region. This track is a deep dive into the landscape of organizations and community members working for the betterment of the populations that they serve. Participants will learn how to uplift the community and not cause harm in the manner that they conduct and report out their research findings. Through CIT, participants will gain an understanding of the lived experiences that shape community perspectives around research and begin fostering connections for future community-driven programs and research opportunities.
2026 Program Dates*
- Application Deadline: March 2, 2026, 5:00 pm
- Orientation: April 30, 2026, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
- Directed Readings and Online Discussion: May 18 - June 12
- Week Intensive in Community: June 22 - 26 (all day)
- Program Debrief and Reflection: July 22, 2026, 5:00 - 7:00 pm (In Person)
- Follow up and Mentoring: August 26th and September 30th, 5:00 - 7:00 pm
*Before you apply! Please ensure that you are available to participate in the entire course, which includes meetings, directed readings, five full days in community in June and related follow-up activities. Partial participation is not permitted.
Please contact Kaylee Gordon, 760-963-7818 if you have any questions.
