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Center for Economic and Community Engagement

Center for Economic & Community Engagement

Our center, formerly the Office of Economic Development, provides research and university connections to organizations and communities, helping you to think strategically and find your pathway to economic prosperity.

Project Spotlight

Star Theatre Feasibility Study

Graduate assistants with the Virginia Tech Center for Economic and Community Engagement (CECE) worked with the Town of Stuart, Virginia to conduct a feasibility study regarding purchase and operation of the Historic Star Theatre. First opened in 1947, the Star Theatre screened films and hosted live entertainment, drawing in locals and out-of-town visitors to the historic venue. With the theater newly renovated, the purchase of the historic facility could provide the town with a cultural anchor that would serve as a community-oriented center for concerts, movies, town gatherings, and other events, while simultaneously supporting Stuart’s historic downtown redevelopment effort.

Small town in Patrick County looks to historic theater — and Virginia Tech — to spark growth

View the final report.

Star Theatre in Stuart, VA. Photo by Diane Deffenbaugh for Virginia Tech.

Solving Problems, Connecting Resources, Engaging Communities

In the spirit of Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), our center can help connect you with the resources and world-class research of Virginia Tech, engage your community, and turn your ideas into action.

GO Virginia

GO Virginia is a statewide initiative designed to encourage Virginia's economic growth through the creation of high-wage jobs. Discover information about GO Virginia Region 2, including meeting agendas, documentation, and project resources.

Vibrant Virginia

Vibrant Virginia engages and supports university faculty in exploring community and economic development in urban and rural Virginia. Learn about our project Vibrant Viriginia.

Region 2 Internship Collaborative

The Region 2 Internship Collaborative bridges the gap between secondary and higher education institutions, their students, and businesses, providing work-based learning opportunities in the New River Valley, the Roanoke-Alleghany region, and the greater Lynchburg region.

Supporting Economic Recovery in Virginia

Virginia Tech’s Center for Economic & Community Engagement, a U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) University Center, is now offering free and reduced cost assistance to some Virginia localities for economic recovery planning and strategy, including specialized technical assistance and research.

Projects

Our center completes analyses, assessments, studies, and projects that equip communities and organizations with the tools they need to succeed.

Four Locations to Serve all Of Virginia

Make an impact

Your gift to the Center for Economic and Community Engagement will help provide indispensable resources for creating economic prosperity across the commonwealth and experiential learning opportunities for students. 


Cover of CECE 2021-2022 Magazine