Four people stand together in front of a green chalkboard. They are holding technology related to the Leahy Institute's micro-bots grant project.

October 2026 Newsletter

UVM Office of Engagement and Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships

One of the most rewarding parts of our work is watching UVM innovation grow into real resources that benefit communities across Vermont. The Vermont Data Collaborative (VDC), spearheaded by the Leahy Institute’s Emma Spett, does just that by providing community organizations with access to critical data, like local infrastructure capacity, population and labor projections, and indicators of health and wellbeing.

Years in the making, the VDC has transformed from a concept into a practical tool for rural communities across the state. We are proud of this work and its alignment with the Leahy Institute’s mission to empower Vermont organizations with the resources they need to drive impact.

Tricia

Recent Engagement & Partnership Activities

Using Data for Good with the Vermont Data Collaborative

UVM scholars are fulfilling the land-grant mission of the university by developing research tools that serve as a public good. A new platform called the Vermont Data Collaborative (VDC) allows municipalities, nonprofits and businesses to find the data they need to make decisions about housing, conservation and community health.

Leahy Institute Grant Fights Chronic Absenteeism in Vermont Schools

Three students stand in front of a fence in a woodsy area.

The White River Valley Supervisory Union (WRVSU) and several other supervisory unions received a grant through the Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships called the Every Day Counts grant in 2024. Since implementing the grant, most schools in the WRVSU district now maintain a daily attendance of 90% or higher.

Hear from VTDigger about the impact of the Everyday Counts grant

Leahy Institute Staff Recognized as Vermont Rising Stars

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 staff members Michele Karode, manager of outreach operations, and Emma Spett, program coordinator, were recently recognized as Rising Stars in VermontBiz's 2026 pool of award recipients. The Rising Star award recognizes 40 professionals under the age of 40 who are committed to business growth, professional excellence and involvement in their communities.

See the full list of award recipients

Office of Engagement Supports Postdoctoral Site Visits to Global Foundries and Other Rural Industry Partners

Nine people stand in front of an orange sign that reads

As part of UVM's Postdoctoral Appreciation Week, professionals from Leahy Institute partner organizations, including Global Foundries, Applied Research Associates, Biolabs and the Public Assets Institute, spoke at an industry engagement panel. Through the Office of Engagement, UVM postdoctoral researchers and PhD students had the opportunity to visit these industry partners to learn about opportunities for applied research and employment in Vermont.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

Renewable Energy Vermont Conference

What: The annual Renewable Energy Vermont Conference is the largest comprehensive gathering of its kind in the region for business leaders, policymakers and regulators working to build a path for a renewable energy future.

When: October 14, 2026

Where: DoubleTree by Hilton, Burlington, VT

Learn more and register

Vermont Tech Jam

What: The Vermont Tech Jam is an annual career and technology exposition that showcases some of Vermont's most innovative companies. Drop by UVM's table to chat with the Leahy Institute team.

When: October 24, 2026

Where: Hula Lakeside, Burlington, VT

Get free tickets

Next Gen Brattleboro Launch

What: Next Gen Brattleboro is a civic alliance of organizations, businesses, community leaders and residents committed to Brattleboro's long-term economic and community vitality. Emma Spett, program coordinator for the Leahy Institute, will emcee the event.

When: October 28, 2026 | 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Where: Latchis Theatre, Brattleboro, VT

Learn more and register

What We're Reading

"Addison County: Middlebury College Remains the Hub of the Economy," by Timothy McQuiston, explores how Middlebury College's economic prosperity impacts the surrounding county.
"The "Thriving Economy Project," by the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, provides a menu of policy ideas for economic and environmental prosperity. Members of the Leahy Institute played a role in coordinating Chapter 2 of the project.
"The Case for Rural America," by J. Tom Mueller, explores the actions necessary to save rural places and the people who live in them.