“Fireside Chat” with President Rao

VCU students gathered around their fireplace Oct. 16 to join VCU President Mike Rao for a “Fireside Chat.” Students discussed issues surrounding community engagement, campus news and life after college with the president.

North Side Home Renovation

VCU ASPiRE students teamed up with Hands-Up Ministries to renovate a home located in a North Side Richmond neighborhood. The students helped clean, paint, and refinish interior woodwork. VCU ASPiRE students are excited to assist Hands-Up Ministries’ in reaching their mission “To change lives by providing affordable, stable housing opportunities for Richmond’s under served.”

Democracy Cup Award

Students from VCU ASPiRE and the School of Mass Communications accepted the 2012 Democracy Cup Award for the Best Communication Campaign on February 16, 2013. Led by Nannette Bailey, VCU ASPiRE students collaborated with the Mosby Tenant Council to educate the Mosby community about the 2012 Election and voter registration.

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Outstanding Student Volunteer of the Year

Congratulations to VCU ASPiRE student Lakilya Dozier for receiving the Outstanding Student Volunteer of the Year award for her volunteer work with international students at VCU.

VCU ASPiRE Builds an Urban Community Garden

Funded through a Sodexo grant, VCU ASPiRE students constructed a urban community garden on the grounds of the West Grace South Residence Hall. This garden will serve both the residents of West Grace South and the Richmond community.

VCU ASPiRE is an innovative and comprehensive academic and living-learning program focused around community engagement. Designed to enrich and deepen students’ understanding of their capacity to create positive change in communities, participants engage with each other, faculty and community partners through coursework, co-curricular activities and a vibrant residential experience.

The program is designed for all upperclassman with two years remaining in their undergraduate studies. VCU ASPiRE students take nine credits of coursework with a Community Engagement Program. The program complements all majors and minors and adds a valuable credential when pursuing careers or graduate school.

Participate in an active learning community.
Discuss important issues with faculty, community leaders and peers around VCU ASPiRE’s fireplace.
Attend classes and interact with peers from different fields of study.
Live directly above more than 6,000 square feet of state-of-the-art classrooms, study lounges and meeting spaces designed specifically for VCU ASPiRE.