Community-based Research Education in Eastern Kentucky
Information for Prospective Students
What is CREEK?
CREEK (Community-based Research Education in Eastern Kentucky) promotes the capacity of
communities to identify and understand their own health issues so that they can act to
improve community health status and quality of life. It includes an educational program
that introduces health-related research skills to students interested in Appalachia by
building community capacity to address the major health concerns of people in rural and
underserved communities. The CREEK education program adds individualized and experiential
curriculum components to students’ existing educational programs, welcoming applications
from graduate students at all levels and highly qualified undergraduates who have
completed at least 3 years of study at a college or university.
CREEK Benefits
- Access to community and research mentors
- Research experience
- Enhanced networking with health researchers
- Expanded career options
- Knowledge about the health of your community
- Skills to improve health in Appalachian communities
CREEK Education
In partnership with the University of Kentucky and regional colleges and universities,
CREEK enhances the ability of students in such behavioral disciplines as sociology,
anthropology, education, nursing, communication, or social work to shed light on the
behavioral aspects of health and illness. CREEK participants take one 3-credit-hour
course each semester (Fall and Spring). Students actively conduct community-based mentored
research, develop a professional research identity, and build a network of colleagues. The
curriculum is offered through intensive seminars and readings that focus on the history,
culture, and social structure within Appalachia to understand how these influence
community-based research in rural communities. Click here to download
application and
recommendation forms.
Application Procedures and Dates:
Students who wish to participate in the CREEK program must apply for admission to
CREEK and also be admitted as a student at a participating college or university.
CREEK courses can be taken for credit at the University of Kentucky or through the
student’s home college or university. To receive credit through UK, students must
follow the deadlines set for admission to the university, be eligible to enroll in
a graduate course, and register for the CREEK course by the deadline set by the
university. Please visit
www.uky.edu/uksb07/subpages/students.html
for information about admission to UK. Please submit your application for the CREEK program as soon as
possible in the spring if you plan to enroll in the fall. Those who plan to participate in CREEK often
like to get together during the summer to begin developing research ideas. It may be possible for
students to enroll during the drop/add period if their own programs allow that. However, it is preferable
for students and faculty to begin getting acquainted well before the beginning of the fall semester.
For More Information or to Apply to CREEK:
Cynthia M. Cole, Ph.D.
CREEK Academic Director
UK Center for Excellence in Rural Health
750 Morton Blvd.
Hazard, KY 41701
colecyn@email.uky.edu
800-851-7512 x83568 (Office)
606-438-2718 (Cell)