This paper describes the results of a participative planning class held in economically dis-advantaged communities in east Tennessee. The class follows a structured method, which includes community workshops and project development, in dealing with the communities. Among many observations gained in eight years of running the class are that citizens feel very comfortable in allowing students to facilitate the public workshops, students benefit from immersion in a real community, and the classes' presence in the communities can benefit local civic engagement and sustainable economic development efforts. (Contains 2 tables.)