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November 2026 Newsletter

UVM Office of Engagement and Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships

The Leahy Institute uplifts the work of thinkers and doers in a variety of disciplines. From agriculture to healthcare, data to education, what connects these experts is a shared commitment to strengthening Vermont's rural communities.

This spirit was on full display at our Climate Innovation Showcase during UVM’s Leahy Public Policy Forum, where speakers from local organizations shared innovative solutions to climate challenges right here in Vermont.

Tricia

Recent Engagement & Partnership Activities

Vermont Climate Innovators Gather for UVM's Leahy Public Policy Forum

Senator Patrick Leahy asks speaker Tyler Seeholzer a question after his presentation.

The Leahy Institute hosted a midday session for the Leahy Public Policy Forum that brought together seven local researchers and entrepreneurs who are working to solve the climate crisis in Vermont.

Read the full story

UVM's Entrepreneurs Forum Connects Local Entrepreneurs with Capital Experts

Speakers at this month's e-forum talk on a panel.

On October 22, the Leahy Institute and the Office of the Vice President for Research hosted speakers from The HULA Fund, Vermont Community Foundation, Flexible Capital Fund and Vermont Economic Development Authority to talk with local entrepreneurs about how to access assets and funds to support their businesses.

Watch the recording

Leahy Institute Intern Combats Invasive Species at the Winston Prouty Center

A collage of two headshots. On the left is a woman with dark brown hair wearing a green jacket and a scarf. On the right is a woman with brown hair wearing a black shirt and long earrings.

Leahy Institute Intern Simon Rae spent his summer at the Winston Prouty Center in downtown Brattleboro mapping, tagging and removing invasive species, in hopes of developing a long-term approach to ecological restoration.

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Upcoming Events and Opportunities

Vermont Listens

What: Vermont Listens is a statewide initiative led by UVM that brings people together across backgrounds, experiences and perspectives to share what they value and why. UVM community members can join the next Vermont Listens event in Burlington.

When: November 4, 2026 | 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Where: UVM Alumni House Silver Pavilion, Burlington, VT

Learn more about Vermont Listens

VGAN Grant Applications Due Tomorrow

What: The Vermont Gallium Nitride Tech Hub is requesting proposals for up to $50,000 for projects that advance gallium nitride products, processes and technology in Vermont. Submit your letter of intent by 8 p.m. on November 4.

When: November 4, 2026 | 8 p.m.

Learn more about VGAN grants

Entrepreneurs Forum: Tech Jam

What: UVM's Entrepreneurs Forum (E-Forum) is a monthly event that connects entrepreneurs with business experts from UVM and Vermont. November's virtual session will showcase representatives from local tech startups who will present about their businesses.

When: November 20, 2026 | 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.

Where: Microsoft Teams meeting

Learn more about this online event

What We're Reading and Listening To

"Educated Out: How Rural Students Navigate Elite Colleges—And What It Costs Them" by Mara Casey Tieken follows nine rural, first-generation students and their families to tell a story about how geography shapes college opportunities, from admission to post-graduation options.
"Decolonizing Methodologies" by Linda Tuhiwai Smith is an exploration of the intersection of imperialism and research.
"In Hardwick, Vermont, Art, Dinner, and Disaster Response All Share the Same Table" is a podcast episode that features past RISE Summit speaker Tony Pipa. The episode explores how cultural connections have built trust and relationships in rural towns such as Hardwick, VT.
"Wealth Creation: A New Framework for Rural Economic and Community Development" by Shanna E. Ratner provides practical strategies for sustainable rural community and economic development that can help local communities control their destiny.

Social Snapshot

Leahy Institute intern holds up invasive species in a rural area.

Just behind the sprawling Winston Prouty Center campus in downtown Brattleboro, Simon Rae ‘27 stood at the edge of a towering wall of vegetation, ripping apart a dense mass of branches, thorns and vines that have climbed over trees and smothered native growth along the 180-acre campus.

View the full post on Instagram