Community Partnerships
As an anchor institution, aspiring to be a good neighbor, the University has made a commitment to intentionally apply it's place-based economic power and human capital in partnership with community to mutually benefit the long-term well-being of both. The Division for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion plays an important part in carrying forward this mission. Our work in this area is evolving as we seek to establish more partnerships and reciprocally engage with our neighbors in response to the needs and opportunities that are identified. You can learn more about several of our key partnerships below.
Center for Community Partnerships
UVA Opens the Center for Community Partnerships
The University of Virginia now has a presence in downtown Charlottesville focused on connecting the University’s community-focused initiatives and strengthening its relationship with the broader community.
The new Center for Community Partnerships at UVA will serve as both a front door to the University for community members and a collaborative space for UVA’s existing community efforts.
The center will be anchored by UVA’s Equity Center, and will also be staffed by members of the University’s offices for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; Academic Outreach; and Community Partnerships at UVA Health.
Economic Investment
UVA’s Division for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in partnership with the Community MLK Celebration Planning Committee provided donations to local non-profit organizations in the Charlottesville-Albemarle community. In the early stages of its planning, the committee determined that in light of all of the difficulties those in the local community have faced over the course of the pandemic, it wished to redirect funding typically reserved to host the annual keynote event toward local agencies who are making a difference and providing relief to those who need it most.
A subcommittee worked during fall of 2020 to identify six local Charlottesville-Albemarle non-profit organizations that are making significant and immediate positive impacts in the community. These organizations target the areas of food insecurity, rent relief, and education.
Community IE Planning Grants
The United Way of Greater Charlottesville, in partnership with UVA's Office for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Community Partnerships, launched an Inclusive Excellence Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Grant Opportunity. These funds will support non-profit human service organizations in Planning District Ten that desire to implement the Inclusive Excellence framework for diversity, equity and inclusion within their organization.
Five (5) $5,000 grants will be awarded to offset each grantee’s staff time to undertake this work. Technical consulting will be provided by the Division for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at no cost to the grantee. The consultant will assist each grantee in mapping its strategic plan/operations to the Inclusive Excellence framework.
MOCHA/WOCHA
The Men of Color, Honor, and Ambition and Women of Color, Honor, and Ambition (MOCHA/WOCHA) programs at the University of Virginia (UVA) are designed to develop successful leaders of tomorrow, today. These one-year programs are open to all rising second-through fourth-year STEM students at UVA regardless of race or ethnicity and will provide opportunities for academic, personal, professional growth, and leadership development. Participants will engage in development sessions during the academic year, receive mentoring from alumni and members of the broader STEM community, and provide mentoring to middle or high school students. The guiding principles of the MOCHA/WOCHA program are ambition, achievement, integrity, service, and health & wellness.
Memorial to Enslaved Laborers Programming and Education
In partnership with the Charlottesville-Albemarle community and the Descendants of Enslaved Communities Leadership Group, the Division for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion supports ongoing programs for learning and connection. This includes:
- Liberation and Freedom Day
- Youth Education Events
- Annual Descendants Day
- Tours and more
- Learn More/Contact
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Carolyn Mitchell Dillard, University-Community Liaison
The Center for Community Partnerships @UVA
617 West Main Street, Suite 400, Charlottesville VA 22903
Cell: 434.327.3315 (suggested)
Office: 434.982.3030