September 2026 Newsletter

UVM Office of Engagement and Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships

“We will come together and solve our common problems. We will build a better university, and we will build a better future for the state of Vermont.”

UVM President Marlene Tromp’s first “State of the University” message resonates deeply with us here at the Leahy Institute. As Vermont’s land-grant university, UVM has a unique responsibility to put its resources to work for communities across the state.

With President Tromp’s announcement of a new Division of Statewide Economic Development, we are excited to see UVM deepen that commitment, and we are at-the-ready to support this new strategic direction.

We also know that this work will be strongest when it is done in partnership. Every day, we see what becomes possible when UVM faculty, staff, and students work alongside Vermonters to understand challenges, share expertise, and develop solutions together. Below, read about how our pediatric faculty are working with Vermont school nurses to improve asthma care. As UVM looks toward the future of Vermont’s economy, we look forward to continuing our partnership work on behalf of the state.

Tricia

Recent Engagement & Partnership Activities

School-Based Asthma Care Benefits Vermonters

Conference attendees at tables, as speaker addresses them

With support from the Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships, a UVM team is bringing asthma care directly to students in 10 Vermont schools. The School Based Asthma Therapy (SBAT) project empowers school nurses to administer daily asthma medication, helping children manage symptoms, miss fewer days of school, and be better prepared to learn. The pilot is also bringing together nurses, families, educators, and health care providers to explore a scalable model for improving pediatric care in rural communities.

Read how the project is helping students throughout Vermont.

Learn more about SBAT.

Leahy Institute Intern Helps Brattleboro Gallery Celebrate 50th Anniversary

This summer, the Leahy Institute’s Statewide Internship Program brought UVM students to Brattleboro for 10 weeks of hands-on work with local organizations and community partners. As the program’s fourth cohort comes to a close, students leave with new professional skills, stronger connections to Vermont communities, and experiences that are helping shape their paths beyond UVM. Read about the program through the experience of Calle Alexander ’27, who spent her summer supporting the River Gallery School of Art.

Full article here.

Learn more about our Statewide Summer Internships.

UVM Launches Tuition-Free Biotechnology Technician Certificate to Build Regional Workforce

University of Vermont Professional and Continuing Education (PACE), in partnership with the UVM Larner College of Medicine, has announced a new Biotechnology Technician Certificate, a 24-week workforce development program that prepares career changers to enter the region’s growing life sciences sector. The new certificate offers tuition-free enrollment, thanks to congressional funding, and provides participants with hands-on lab training at UVM research facilities. No prior science degree is required.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

von Trapp CabinFest 2026

What: With support from a 2026 Leahy Institute grant, Verde Technologies has partnered with faculty and students in the UVM Engineering Department and CREATE Lab to study the energy output of thin-film solar and pilot its use on aging Vermont roofs. On September 12, the von Trapp Family Lodge cabin, selected as a demonstration site for the project’s novel thin-film solar technology, will host a celebration of the partnership featuring a keynote from renowned climate activist Bill McKibben.

When: Sep 12, 2026 | 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Where: von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort, 700 Trapp Hill Rd, Stowe

Full details and RSVP.

More about our partnership with Verde Technologies here.

Bioeconomy Employer Survey

What: A Leahy Institute-funded project is collecting input from Vermont bioscience employers to better understand the state's growing bioeconomy and inform a new Bioeconomy Impact Report.

The survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete, and your participation will help strengthen Vermont's future bioeconomy.

Take the survey.

UVM VERSO Workshop: Open Science 101 Training

What: Funders now expect open data and code - are you ready? Join VERSO for Open Science 101, a free workshop built on NASA's TOPS curriculum covering open data, code, and results.

When: Sep 18, 2026 | 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Where: UVM Innovation Hall, e100 conference room

Learn more and RSVP.

Hula Student Day Pass

What: The Student Day Pass Program offers active students free access to Hula twice per month. Enjoy fast Wi-Fi, comfortable communal spaces, and unlimited coffee and tea.

How: Stop by the front desk at Hula with a valid student ID and let their team know you’d like to redeem a pass. You can access the space Monday through Friday from 8AM-5PM.

Where: Hula, 50 Lakeside Ave, Burlington

Learn more.

What We're Reading

What is our staff indulging in this month?

For those interested in student health and community collaboration: “A Statewide Collaborative Strengthens School Partnerships,” by Children’s Hospital Association, explores how Vermont schools and health care providers are building stronger systems for communication and collaboration to better support students.
For anyone interested in rural innovation: “Three Key Takeaways for Rural Tech-Based Economic Development,” by Maddie Dreifuerst, explores how communities can build thriving tech economies by drawing on local strengths, collaboration, and place-based opportunities.
For those interested in the future of rural governance: “USDA Grant to Help Uncover Opportunities and Challenges Facing Rural Governments,” by Katie Bohn, explores a nationwide effort to better understand how rural county governments provide essential services, pursue economic development, and navigate limited resources.