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:

Community School intergenerational connections

Grants

Grants to fund partnership-driven solutions to address the needs of our rural communities
UVM intern with community partner in Northeast Kingdom

Engagement Initiatives

Partnerships with UVM that provide direct and ongoing service to Vermont communities
High school internship counselors visit UVM

Convenings

Gathering people together to build connections and share knowledge

In the Media

Headlines from the Institute

UVM’s Statewide Internship Program Returns

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

 More Rural Partnerships News
Student intern at work in lab.

Who we are.

With funding from USDA, we support partnership activities in rural areas that move the needle on key challenges in health care access, transit and communication, regenerative agriculture, community schools, and resilient energy.
Group thinking exercise.

How we work.

Our team works across the state to develop partnerships with Vermont organizations. UVM can provide technical support, access to research and faculty expertise, internships and service learning projects, seed grant awards, and access to UVM’s startup and engagement programs to partners.
Three people posing for camera at a flower farm.

Our impact.

The Institute will identify quantifiable progress with our partners’ solution-oriented ideas each month to ensure that we make a positive impact on our state’s agriculture, education, transportation, housing, healthcare, communications systems work, natural resources, and policies and governance sec