Giving

We work with communities across Virginia to grow their workforce and economies, giving them the tools they need to succeed.

Your investment in the Virginia Tech Center for Economic and Community Engagement means more access to resources for communities across the Commonwealth.

CECE provides expertise, resources, and project support to catalyze action that benefits local communities and economies, specifically in economic, community, and workforce development. CECE’s evidence-based research and university connections help to address needs identified at the local level through strategic partnerships and direct services.

Every dollar you donate allows CECE faculty to bring their knowledge and experience to communities from Abingdon to Arlington, Covington to Chincoteague, Damascus to Danville, Melfa to Martinsville, New Market to Newport News, and Radford to Richmond, ensuring that every region in Virginia can thrive.

Together, we can build stronger communities and brighter futures across the Commonwealth.

Project Spotlight

CECE faculty Dylan Andrews and Elli Travis with SE Group partner Ida Williams visited the William King Museum of Art (WKMA) in Abingdon, Virginia. This visit was part of a project funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), in which CECE and SE Group are evaluating ARC tourism and outdoor recreation grants.

WKMA will use their ARC grant to develop an accessible park with a meadow, pollinator garden, walking trails, and event space. This new development will allow the museum to attract more people and share its message of conservation more widely.

ARC provides grants to many organizations promoting outdoor recreation, a significant driver of the Appalachian economy. This performance evaluation project will help to highlight the benefits of these funded programs while also supporting future grant decision making.