COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Connecting with local communities to inspire innovation, build partnerships, and empower future leaders.
The VCU Division of Community Engagement Thriving Communities Grant supported a partnership between the Richmond Institute of Technology and Science (RITS) and Virginia Commonwealth University College of Engineering to expand STEM education opportunities and advance community-based research in Richmond. The grant provided financial support for STEM education research conducted by the VCU College of Engineering and the VCU School of Education, exploring effective ways to introduce students to emerging technologies such as robotics and artificial intelligence.
Funding also enabled direct student access to these programs by providing scholarships for students to attend the RITS Summer Camp hosted at VCU, where participants engaged in hands-on engineering and robotics activities. In addition, the grant supported educators by funding lunches for teachers attending an AI professional development workshop hosted by AI Ready RVA, helping strengthen local capacity for AI and STEM instruction
RITS
Ignite Your Future in STEM
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At RITS, students dive into hands-on summer programs that spark creativity and innovation. With immersive experiences in AI, robotics, and coding, our camps empower the next generation of engineers to explore real-world STEM challenges and excel in academic and future career pursuits.
Radhika Barua - Co-Founder
IEEE
Advancing Technology
IEEE is the world's leading technical professional organization, uniting a global community of innovators, researchers, and engineers. Through cutting-edge publications, conferences, and industry standards, IEEE drives technological breakthroughs that empower progress and enhance life worldwide.
CCAM
Manufacturing Innovation
At CCAM, the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing brings together leaders from industry, academia, and government to solve complex manufacturing challenges. With cutting-edge research, state-of-the-art technology, and a commitment to workforce development.
