Research on University-Community Partnerships (UCP) highlights myriad benefits of these unique collaborations for research, teaching, and community (Buys & Bursnall, 2007; Stewart & Alrutz, 2012). However, little is known about interdisciplinary UCPs—particularly between unrelated disciplines (e.g., social sciences and the arts). This presentation describes a collaboration between music and social work academics and a statewide human trafficking organization in a Midwestern U.S. city. Music-community partnerships typically take the form of one-time benefit concerts, lacking meaningful connection between student/faculty ensemble members and the community organization or the social justice issue it may address. Drawing on social work’s long history of social justice activism and community-based participatory initiatives, the objectives of the partnership were to (a) create a collaborative partnership between music and community partners, (b) promote a culture of activism within the music ensemble, and (c) present a final musical-educational event to raise awareness of human trafficking among the general public. The year-long collaboration placed both academics and community group members in teaching/learning roles and included ongoing dialogue, educational activities, and participation in community meetings. Monthly challenges encouraged graduate and undergraduate students in the ensemble to further educate themselves and engage in personal activism around human trafficking beyond established collaboration activities. The project culminated in a public event with performances by music partners, community organization speakers, and testimonials on the impact of human trafficking. A post-initiative survey assessed project impact, including music students’ knowledge, attitudes, and engagement. This project illustrates how interdisciplinary partnerships can strengthen university-community collaborations for social justice—in this case, by harnessing social work’s strengths of collaborative engagement and action as well as music’s ability to convey controversial and emotionally-charged issues to a broad audience. The presentation will conclude with a discussion of survey results and lessons learned from both the music and social work perspectives. ReferencesBuys, N. & Bursnall, S. (2007). Establishing university–community partnerships: Processes and benefits. Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management, 29(1), 73-86.Stew...