Data Services

  • Economic and workforce development data support to community partners in Vermont

The importance of research in addressing some of our most pressing social and environmental problems has never been greater - and funders are taking notice. Increasingly competitive funding programs are asking investigators to lay out a clear and compelling scope of work that includes broadening the impact of research activities and findings.

The Leahy Institute of Rural Partnerships, in conjunction with the Office of Engagement, offers consultations, training and assistance with proposal and program development. We also help connect UVM researchers to partners and programs across the state. The goal of these broader impacts is to take the potential of newly uncovered advanced knowledge and use that knowledge to address societal problems.

Partnerships for Rural Capacity

  • Education, professional development and technical support to local governments in Vermont

How can our land-grant university provide resources to support local government in Vermont? UVM will partner with municipal leaders in rural Vermont to support education and professional development opportunities, research, and technical assistance to ensure vibrant, thriving small towns.

Student Engagement for a Resilient Vermont

  • Service-learning projects supporting flood recovery and resilience in Vermont

We coordinate efforts between community organizations and faculty looking to provide applied service learning opportunities at UVM and other colleges and universities around Vermont. We are piloting this program in Spring 2024 with coordination directed towards flood recovery and resilience.

flooded street

UVM interns provide value for central Vermont businesses during a challenging summer


A cohort of ten UVM interns in the first ever Central Vermont Statewide Internship Program wound up their work during the first week of August. They all contributed their talents to small, thinly staffed central Vermont businesses and non-profits that are often strapped for the time and resources to tackle projects like business planning, social media strategy and community outreach.  Students and supervisors found the experience rewarding, but they couldn’t have anticipated the quick pivot required when heavy rains and flooding disrupted many central Vermont communities in July, 2023.

CVSIP is the brainchild of a partnership between the Central Vermont Economic Development Corporation (CVEDC), the University of Vermont’s Office of Engagement and the UVM Career Center. “We were especially interested in reaching out to businesses in regions outside Chittenden County,” said internship coordinator Kristen Andrews. “We also wanted to make sure the positions were fully funded, making the experience doable financially for both students and business owners.”

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