Make It Real Campaign on a Quest for Distinction

As pArt of the VCU “MAke it reAl” campaign on our Quest for Distinction, becoming a national model for community engagement and regional impact is a high priority. Under VCU Division of Community Engagement, many programs and service learning opportunities are available to students looking to make an impact in the community. Established in 2006, the division was created after the university realized that community engagement was an important idea.

“We strive to improve the human condition and support the public good at home and abroad,” Catherine Howard, vice provost for community engagement, said.

Innovative programs such as Carver Promise and the Mary and Frances Youth Center, provide mentoring, life skills and exposure to opportuni-

Partnering with Central Food Bank, The Caring to Act program holds a food drive to in hopes of reaching the goal of raising over 50,000 pounds of food. Held from April 22-26, students and faculty are given the opportunity donate cans or volunteer time at the Food Bank location.

“It’s the university’s goal that once you leave here, students will know what it means to be engaged global citizens,” Howard said. With the opportunities that exist within the Office of Community Engagement, students are able to make this goal a reality.

ties for self-improvement. “Carver Promise has helped hundreds of kids matriculate through middle and high school ready to graduate and go on to college or the work force,” Casey Rodgers, Carver Promise coordinator and VCU alumni, said. “Without the program they may not have known what they needed to do so.”

VCU has successfully executed events that bring community partners together for a common good. “Paint the Town Green” has been an event held under the Carver partnership, which brings people together to clean up the neighborhoods of Jackson Ward, the Fan, Oregon Hill, Randolph and Carver. In the Management 319 (Organization Behavior), students take on roles in the planning the execution of the entire event. “The service learning aspect makes them accountable on a daily basis,” Rodgers said.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY BRANDON SINGLETARY