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Within the framework of VCU's Thriving Communities Theme as outlined in Quest 2028, the concept of "priority partner communities" takes center stage as a crucial component of the university's mission and impact.
A "Priority Partner Community” is a special focus area where VCU strategically directs its engagement efforts to create a significant positive impact. It can be a specific place or a particular issue that requires attention. This focus is essential because sometimes our efforts are spread thin across various places, and by concentrating on one community or issue, we have the potential to make a more significant impact. This approach allows us to achieve better results, measure our progress effectively, and build strong and enduring partnerships.
Priority Partner Communities (Based on Geography/Location)
- Carver
- Jackson Ward
- East End
- Petersburg
- Blackwell
- Manchester
- Southwood
- Charles City
The existing geographic priority partner communities encompass a wide range of areas, including communities where VCU is physically situated, neighboring communities, as well as communities selected based on existing engagement and partnerships, social, economic, and health data, and specific requests from stakeholders. It is crucial to note that VCU's initiatives extend beyond these communities, and these efforts will continue to be supported.
Exploring Priority Areas: A Strategic Focus (Priority based on Issue)
While priority partner communities play a pivotal role in our community engagement efforts, it is equally essential to recognize the significance of addressing priority issues within and beyond these designated communities. The priority areas listed below are not static; rather, they offer guidance and flexibility to adapt to evolving community needs and emerging challenges.
- Health equity and disparities
- Art, social, technological development
- Economic and workforce development
- Pre-K-16 student success
- Youth Development
- Partnership development and collaboration
- Transformative student engagement
- Richmond’s History
Enhancing Impact: The primary goal of prioritizing communities is to concentrate VCU's efforts, resources, and expertise in these areas. This focus aims to maximize the university's impact on social, economic, and health drivers, ultimately promoting collective impact and positive change within these communities.
Building a Sustainable University-Wide Partnership Database for Thriving Communities
In light of the emphasis on designating specific communities for focused efforts and the success metric within the Thriving Communities theme of Quest 2028, it becomes increasingly apparent that establishing a sustainable, university-wide partnership database is of paramount importance. Such a database would play a pivotal role in effectively capturing our current engagements, identifying areas where further engagement is needed, specifying the diverse types of engagement required, pinpointing new engagement opportunities, and enabling the measurement of the depth, breadth, and impact of coordinated programs across student engagement and research within identified partner communities.
Special Initiatives
The Community Engagement team has undertaken several special initiatives. Among them are:
In April 1994, human bones and artifacts from the 19th century were discovered in an abandoned well uncovered during construction on Virginia Commonwealth University’s MCV Campus. The well’s contents are believed to have been discarded in the 1800s by medical staff.
These humans, mainly of African descent, were not shown the respect they were due, neither in life nor in death. The university is committed to moving forward in a manner reflecting the dignity that should be accorded these individuals and has created the East Marshall Street Well Project to facilitate a process with the community that ensures the remains receive appropriate study, memorialization and reburial.
More information here.
Our social and economic development initiatives aim to reshape the urban landscape and empower community members through strategic partnerships, alignment, and impactful projects. Led by Stephen Davenport, our Assistant Vice President for Social and Economic Development.
VCU was one of the first universities to receive the Carnegie Engaged University Classification in 2005, and was reclassified in 2015. We will apply for the 2026 reclassification. The Carnegie reclassification process requires that VCU self-study and self-evaluate the degree to which community engagement is based on reciprocal, mutually beneficial partnerships, is institutionalized across VCU and VCU Health and ensure that the impact of those partnerships is beneficial to all involved stakeholders. Reclassification matters because it ensures continued national and state recognition of VCU’s commitment to its community, advances Quest 2028, VCU’s Strategic Plan, and helps us improve the impact and quality of our collaborations through rigorous self- study and data collection across the institution as the self-study looks at the following areas:
- How we define, measure, and deliver quality community engaged partnerships;
- Anchor strategies, which look at how the university uses core function to promote community advantage (e.g. procurement, staffing, workforce development):
- Student engagement, outcomes and impacts on both the students and the community;
- University-wide policies and practices that advance community-engaged work;
- Outcomes and impacts for faculty, staff, the community and the campus.
The Division of Community Engagement launched the Applied Community Engagement Badge to provide an opportunity to educate faculty, staff, students, alumni and our community members and partners in the foundational principles, practices and tools of community engagement. The training will be delivered across three distinct events - the Connect Conference in November, the Martin Luther King event in January and a Community Engagement Practices Webinar in the spring. Participation in all three, including completing post-event reflection activities will lead to the Applied Community Engagement microcredential. Each event will be designed to complement each other and deliver the training objectives. The Connect Conference will include interactive activities to support that learning.
If you are unable to attend any of the activities, you may view recordings of each event and then complete the reflection activity so those who want the credential but are unable to attend all events in person will still have the opportunity to do so.
You may access the links and reflection activities below:
1) The Connect 2023 Conference video and the required the reflection activities.
2) Our MLK keynote event video, and the required reflection activities.
3) Our spring practices webinar video featuring the Richmond Cemetery Collaboratory and the reflection activities.
If you have any questions about the Applied Community Engagement Badge, please email me at garmiseso@vcu.edu.
Community Partner Spotlights
Discover the incredible work of our community partners within the vibrant tapestry of Richmond neighborhoods. Be inspired by their stories and learn how they make a difference in our community!
At VCU's Division of Community Engagement, we're committed to fostering meaningful connections with our community partners, and this series is our platform to showcase their inspiring stories, contributions, and the impact at VCU has had on our priority partner communities.
During these spotlight interviews, we delve into the heart of our community partners' experiences, exploring their affiliations within their neighborhood organizations and their longstanding dedication to serving their communities. Through engaging conversations, we uncover the evolving landscape of Richmond's neighborhoods, discussing the changes witnessed over time and the unique attributes that make each community special.
Our spotlight isn't just about highlighting the surface; it's about delving deep into the essence of each community partner. We uncover hidden gems and shed light on aspects of the community that may not be widely known, offering a comprehensive view that celebrates its diversity and resilience.
For more information, email us at engage@vcu.edu
Academic-Community Planning Grants
These grants aim to strengthen academic-community partnerships, facilitate community-identified research, and promote thriving communities as outlined in VCU’s Quest 2028.
Community Service
Whether you are searching for community service opportunities or planning your community-service leave, we can help you connect with the community to maximize your impact.