Community service
As an urban university, VCU's people and programs blend into the cultural fabric of the university's surrounding neighborhoods.
Need student volunteers?
Connect with VCU student volunteers through VCU University Student Commons and Activties
Neighborhood outreach
As an urban university, it is critical that VCU work collaboratively with its contiguous communities to develop mutually beneficial relationships. The university’s full-time neighborhood outreach director works closely with representatives from Carver, the Fan, Jackson Ward, Oregon Hill and Randolph to share information and resources, pursue common goals and develop activities that enhance our communities.
Contact Verenda K. Cobbs, Senior Manager for Civic Innovation & Partnerships, at ts2vkcobb@vcu.edu or (804) 828-2512.
Connect with a surrounding neighborhood for news, events and information.
Community service leave
Eligible faculty and staff are provided with paid community service leave (up to 16 hours) each calendar year to meet with public or private school officials about their children, to attend school functions in which their children are participating, to perform school-approved volunteer work in a public school or to volunteer with community service organizations.
Community service leave is also a great opportunity for team building with your department or unit.
Learn more about this benefit.
How did you use your community service leave? Tell us by emailing engage@vcu.edu, and we'll highlight you on our website and news.
Supporting communities and partners through a crisis
The rapid spread of COVID-19 has profoundly impacted the communities where we live and serve. Now, perhaps more than ever, VCU community partners and Richmond region nonprofits, community-based organizations, and faith-based organizations need help to serve those most affected by COVID and other crises. Use your paid community service leave to volunteer with a local organization when support is most needed and stay safe while volunteering. Review the Virginia Office on Volunteerism and Community Service guidelines for health and safety before volunteering.
Areas of current and immediate need:
Mary and Frances Youth Center
The Mary and Frances Youth Center serves more than 900 youth in the Richmond metro area through programming and training initiatives at its state-of-the-art center along West Cary Street that features two private tennis courts.
Learn more about Mary and Frances Youth Center
Partnership database
The partnership database helps VCU students and employees connect, coordinate and collaborate with our community partners, and celebrate and promote community engagement.