Community-engaged research represents an important approach to identifying potential solutions to address health disparities and improve public health by joining with community partners. Aligned with the conference theme of Context Matters, this pre-conference course will provide attendees with an introduction to the community-engaged research continuum and present multiple frameworks which consider context to guide the design of community-engaged research projects and policy change. In addition, the presenters will offer practical advice for how to engage community partners, establish common goals, facilitate effective communication, build and maintain trust, nurture mutual benefit, consider the impact of power differentials, foster and sustain community-academic partnerships, support capacity building, share resources, and recognize and repair ruptures when challenges are encountered. This pre-conference course is intended to lay the foundation for engagement in community-engaged research and will include solution-focused learning, case studies, and group discussion.