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The Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships builds collaborations between �պ�� and state partners to benefit communities throughout Vermont.

We envision a future in which all Vermont communities have an opportunity to thrive, and we believe that strong �պ�� ←→ 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 �պ�� resources, including:

Financial and technical assistance
Faculty expertise & research
Student projects and internships
Startup and innovation programs
Service and community-focused learning programs

The collaborations that arise from these connections take several forms:

Community School intergenerational connections

Grants

Grants to fund partnership-driven solutions to address the needs of our rural communities

�պ�� intern with community partner in Northeast Kingdom

Engagement Initiatives

Partnerships with �պ�� that provide direct and ongoing service to Vermont communities

High school internship counselors visit �պ��

Convenings

Gathering people together to build connections and share knowledge

In the Media

�պ�� Achieves Prestigious Carnegie R1 Designation, Joining Highest Level of U.S. Research Institutions (�պ�� News)

Headlines from the Institute

�պ��'s Leahy Institute Launches Consortium of Coworking Spaces to Amplify Economic Impact throughout Vermont

�պ��’s Leahy Institute Awards $2.4M to Advance Vermont Partnerships

�պ��’s Leahy Institute Receives $250K from Ford Foundation to Boost Partnerships Across Vermont

�պ�� Launches “Boot Camp” for Town Managers

“We came home to Vermont:” RISE Summit Explores Solutions for Rural Challenges

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. �պ�� can provide technical support, access to research and faculty expertise, internships and service learning projects, seed grant awards, and access to �պ��’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