The Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships operates alongside the Office of Engagement with the mission to build collaborations between the University of Vermont and state partners for the benefit of our rural places.
We envision a future in which all Vermont communities have an opportunity to thrive, and we believe that strong UVM-Community partnerships can play a vital role in achieving that future. To help build those partnerships, the Leahy Institute connects interested parties with a wide range of UVM resources, including:
- Financial and technical assistance
- Faculty expertise and research
- Student projects and internships
- Startup and innovation programs
- Service and community-focused learning programs
This work takes several forms:
In the Media
- Weather station network aims to protect rural Vermont communities (WCAX-TV)
- UVM Achieves Prestigious Carnegie R1 Designation, Joining Highest Level of U.S. Research Institutions (UVM News)
- Vt. educators cope with post-pandemic increase in absenteeism (WCAX-TV)
- UVM researchers look to local libraries as potential vessels for telehealth accessibility (WCAX-TV)
- New buprenorphine initiative in Burlington aims to lower barriers to opioid addiction treatment (Vermont Public)
- UVM’s Leahy Institute awards $2.4M to advance Vermont partnerships (Vermont Biz)
- New UVM program offers ‘boot camp’ for Vermont town officials (VT Digger)
- UVM Summer Interns Live and Learn in the NEK (The Hardwick Gazette)
- Burlington startup looks to transform whey byproduct into valuable food product (WCAX-TV)
- UVM honors retired US Sen. Patrick Leahy with renamed building, new rural program (Associated Press)
Headlines from the Institute

UVM's Leahy Institute Launches Consortium of Coworking Spaces to Amplify Economic Impact throughout Vermont

UVM’s Leahy Institute Awards $2.4M to Advance Vermont Partnerships

Community Schools Collaborative Expands Transformative Approach in Vermont

UVM’s Leahy Institute Receives $250K from Ford Foundation to Boost Partnerships Across Vermont

Celebrating Vermont's Outstanding Educators