A tractor moves along a green field on a farm. Hard cut to a clip of the camera panning across several trees in the woods. Hard cut to a clip of green crops blowing in the wind. Hard cut to a close up of a rushing river. Hard cut to corn crops blowing in the wind. Hard cut to a clip of the camera panning across trees. The video fades out to the UVM green color briefly before starting the entire video over.

Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships and Office of Engagement

Our mission is to build collaborations between the University of Vermont and state partners for the benefit of our rural places.

We envision a future in which all Vermont communities have an opportunity to thrive, and we believe that strong UVM-Community partnerships can play a vital role in achieving that future.

Our Work Takes Several Forms

A sign in the distance says "partners in maple."

RISE 2026

RISE 2026 brought together hundreds of leaders, students, innovators, and community members from across the region for a day of conversation, collaboration, and action focused on the future of rural communities.

Learn more and relive the day