Center for Economic and Community Engagement

Project Spotlight

Assessing the Impacts of Ability One at Melwood

In 2021, the nonprofit Melwood contracted with the Virginia Tech Center for Economic and Community Engagement and the Virginia Tech Institute for Policy and Governance (VTIPG) to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of their AbilityOne program. The goal was to assess the true cost of Melwood’s AbilityOne program to the federal government and understand the broader benefits of this socio-economic program. The AbilityOne Program, administered by an independent federal agency, facilitates the employment of people who are blind or have significant disabilities so they may achieve their maximum employment potential.
View the final report.

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.

Regional Internship Collaborative

The Regional 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.