Module 2

2. Community and Industry Research & Projects (CIRPS)

What is CIRPS?

Community and Industry Research & Projects (CIRPS), formerly known as Applied Research Projects, is a structured work-integrated learning (WIL) model that places students in the role of researchers rather than employees. Students work on real challenges identified by community, non-profit, or industry partners, often within academic coursework.

CIRPS allows students to apply course concepts to authentic problems, while organizations receive evidence-based insights, recommendations, and solutions at low cost and low supervision.

Examples include:

  • Consulting or feasibility projects
  • Community-based research
  • Service or product design and testing

Key Features

  • May be paid or unpaid, full-time, or part-time
  • Often completed remotely
  • Flexible across disciplines and project types
  • Often integrated into a course for academic credit
  • Minimal supervision is required by partners

Why Choose CIRPS?

According to CEWIL Canada, CIRPS supports employers and community partners by:

  1. Addressing long-term challenges that are important but not urgent
  2. Producing well-researched, actionable solutions
  3. Requiring low time investment in supervision
  4. Offering remote or hybrid delivery to fit various operational models

Ideal for small and medium-sized organizations seeking strategic insight or innovation without hosting full WIL placements.

Project Lifecycle

CIRPS follows a structured partnership model, which typically includes:

  • Onboarding: Define the challenge, assign a contact, and share relevant information. Scope and deliverables are finalized with the institution.
  • Midpoint Check-In:  Review progress and align expectations with organizational needs and course outcomes.
  • Offboarding & Final Assessment:  Students deliver a final report or presentation. Partners provide feedback and may explore future collaboration or hiring.

Some CIRPs lead to contract or permanent roles.

Real-World Example

As part of a Selkirk College CIRPs on rural climate resilience, a student partnered with local leaders to launch emergency preparedness campaigns. Using community-based social marketing, they helped three pilot communities develop evacuation plans and emergency kits, turning academic research into practical community safety outcomes.