Office of Institutional Equity, Effectiveness and Success

Community Engagement

Landing page feature image

As an urban university, VCU's people and programs blend into the cultural fabric of the university's surrounding neighborhoods.

Outreach

HandsOn Greater Richmond

Engage in meaningful volunteer opportunities within the greater Richmond region

Visit

Need student volunteers?

Connect with VCU student volunteers through VCU University Student Commons and Activties

Visit USC&A

Ongoing service opportunities

Opportunities to serve the community close to campus

View list

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.

For questions or input related to neighborhood outreach, please reach out to engage@vcu.edu or (804) 828-8947. 

Connect with a surrounding neighborhood for news, events and information.

Carver

The Fan

Jackson Ward

Oregon Hill

Randolph

Community service

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.

Visit Employee Service for more details.

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.

 

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

MFYC

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:

Donate blood

Send a card or email to a VCU Health Employee

Help distribute meals with Richmond Public Schools

Prepare and package food at Feed More's Community Kitchen

Donate or deliver supplies through Mutual Aid Disaster Relief Richmond

More than 180 VCU students representing 10 student organizations participated in The Big Event, a one-day, student-run service project held in spring 2019 where Rams came together to say thank you to the residents of Richmond.