The Center for Urban Research in Education (CURE), jointly conceived by the Portland (Oregon) Public Schools and Portland State University, was established in 1987 by the Oregon State Legislature to explore solutions to the educational problems of at-risk student populations, especially those in urban settings. This paper shares the results of CURE's first 3 years in the hope of inspiring other universities and school districts to collaborate on similar programs. CURE's most important guiding principles are that all students can learn, that school-university collaboration is essential to solve complex educational problems, and that teachers, principals, students, parents, and communities are vital to this research effort. CURE's current research agenda includes three program areas critical to the success of high risk students: dropout prevention, effective instructional practices, and effective school leadership. Specific projects within each of these categories are described at length. CURE's first 2 years were marked by a number of priorities: (1) developing an effective organization capable of conducting and disseminating research; (2) identifying a research program responsive to at-risk students' needs; and (3) building the necessary collaborative networks to ensure a relevant and useful program. (10 references) (MLH)