When a fire breaks out in the twin cities of Lewiston and Auburn, Maine, the firefighter response time is just a bit quicker these days, thanks to student research at Bates College. When the alarm sounds, firefighters click on a computer map that tells them the size of the burning structure, the quickest route to the fire, the closest hydrant and whether it can provide enough water. Before his graduation in 1999, Bates geology student Peter Beeson researched and developed a Geographical Information System (GIS) for firefighters in the two cities. The system also is used to gauge environmental impact of road developments, and for other geographical purposes, such as optimum routes for sewerage. Municipal officials say that Beeson's research has saved them nearly $200,000. This experience illustrates the mutual advantages that research projects provide colleges and their communities--in this case, Bates College and its community development partner, an initiative of 36 local business, civic and institutional leaders in Lewiston and Auburn called LA Excels. Recently, Bates and LA Excels were awarded an $80,000 grant from the national Consortium for the Advancement of Private Higher Education's "Engaging Communities and Campuses" program. Over the next two years, the grant will fund 10 summer Community Research Fellowships. These fellowships will take qualified students into Lewiston and Auburn to undertake research projects identified by the community as essential building blocks of ambitious community development efforts. The applied research opportunities afforded through the Bates Community Research Program further expand how service and undergraduate academic experience can be connected by enabling students to put their academic work into practice. Bates is able to enhance hands-on learning while addressing community needs.