Division of Community Engagement

Building Community Through Connection, Health, and Service In November, our Division continued to execute the core mission of community-engaged work: facilitating meaningful collaboration between VCU and community partners, while responding directly to the needs and aspirations of Richmond-area residents. “We are all part of one community, one region, and ideally we just all want everyone […]

Virginia Commonwealth University and VCU Health System marked their first National Rural Health Day with a series of events designed to honor rural communities and elevate the growing rural health efforts across One VCU. Guided by an interdisciplinary planning committee, the celebration emphasized thoughtful reflection on how an urban institution can respectfully support and partner […]

In October 2025, VCU’s Division of Community Engagement (DCE) continued to advance the university’s Quest 2028 mission by strengthening partnerships, expanding faculty and student engagement, and deepening its impact across Richmond’s neighborhoods. From record-setting Connect 2025 momentum to expanded youth programming and increased participation at the Health Hub, October was a month defined by collaboration, […]

On November 14, 2026, the Division of Community Engagement hosted the Connect 2025 Community Engagement Conference, bringing together more than 170 participants from across Virginia Commonwealth University and the broader Richmond community. Guided by a 34-member planning committee, including 19 VCU representatives and 15 community partners, the event was intentionally co-created to foster meaningful dialogue, shared learning, and stronger collaborative […]

Welcome to our Month-at-a-Glance Report for the Division of Community Engagement. Each month, we lead and support a wide range of initiatives across the university and the community. This “at-a-glance” format provides an overview of our collective efforts, showcasing the scope of our activities. Read our DCE September Newsletter. Additionally, the Division has released the 2024–2025 […]

The Mary and Frances Youth Center (MFYC) in the Division of Community Engagement is revisiting its mission, vision, and goals after about a decade. As the center evolves, so does its approach to planning. This time, it is using a process that actively involves those it serves. To gather meaningful input, MFYC partnered with the […]

“How are we not just providing services but are building opportunities?”That question, voiced during a collaborative roundtable, set the tone for a powerful Lunch and Learn event hosted by Virginia Commonwealth University’s Division of Community Engagement and the Peter Paul Development Center. Held at Peter Paul, the gathering brought together VCU faculty and staff, Peter […]

During Mental Health Month, a series of wellness-focused events offered East End community members space to reflect, express, and recharge. These events were led by a certified community health worker (CHW) from VCU’s Health Hub at 25th, whose work is rooted in a commitment to emotional well-being and meaningful local impact. As a certified community […]

The 2025 Excellence in Community Engagement Awards Ceremony, coordinated by the Grants and Awards Committee of the Council for Community Engagement and supported by the Division of Community Engagement—which stewards the Council and its working groups—celebrated outstanding achievements that have made a meaningful and lasting impact in communities across the Richmond region and beyond. These […]

When you step into the Mary and Frances Youth Center (MFYC) at Virginia Commonwealth University, you’ll likely be greeted by a calm and friendly presence behind the front desk: Tyler. A first-year student at VCU, Tyler has been an integral part of the MFYC team, helping to keep the center running smoothly while growing personally […]