IU Center for Rural Engagement

09/04/2026

Are you an IU student with a passion for storytelling? The IU Center for Rural Engagement is hiring a paid part-time editorial intern to write project features and student spotlights that highlight IU's partnerships with rural Indiana communities.

Build your portfolio through interviews, research, and meaningful storytelling while gaining hands-on experience in content creation.

Learn more and apply: go.iu.edu/xwW2xi

The Media School at Indiana University The Walter Center for Career Achievement

09/03/2026

Brown County and IU kicked off a new year of collaboration through their Sustaining Hoosier Communities partnership.

Community leaders joined IU faculty, staff, and students to connect, celebrate the partnership, and learn more about community-identified projects that will take shape across Brown County in the year ahead.

Learn more about the partnership at go.iu.edu/umf8Ek.

09/03/2026

A partnership between Radius Indiana and the IU Center for Rural Engagement brought IU students, faculty, and staff together across disciplines to explore how the developing Monon South Trail can support community and economic opportunities throughout southern Indiana.

Read the story: https://news.iu.edu/rural/live/news/52699-iu-collaboration-brings-fresh-perspectives-to

Indiana University Kelley School of Business O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University IU Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design Eppley Center for Parks and Public Lands

A partnership between Radius Indiana and the IU Center for Rural Engagement brought students, faculty, and staff together across disciplines to explore ho...

09/02/2026

Congratulations to the City of Charlestown, Indiana on the opening of Charlestown Commons!

Inspired by ideas developed through the 2024 Rural Placemaking Studio, the new downtown gathering space transforms an empty plot of grass on the town square into a welcoming space where residents can relax, enjoy public art and performances, and gather for community events.

As one of the first communities to participate in the studio, Charlestown residents and leaders worked with IU Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design students and faculty to reimagine the space and explore new possibilities for downtown.

09/01/2026

What does successful placemaking look like in a rural community?

Quality of Place Liaison Nicole Vasconi reflects on lessons from International Placemaking Week and considers how public space, connection, and local identity can inform placemaking in rural Indiana.

Read about her experience in our latest Field Notes article at go.iu.edu/VMv4iA.

09/01/2026

Do you have expertise, research, or an initiative to share with Indiana’s climate and resilience network? The Environmental Resilience Institute at Indiana University has extended the deadline to submit a breakout session proposal for the 2027 Indiana Sustainability and Resilience Conference to 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 4.

Proposals are encouraged on topics including clean energy, policy, local government, community engagement, built environment, green infrastructure, and research.

Learn more and submit a proposal: https://eri.iu.edu/news-and-events/events/indiana-sustainability-and-resilience-conference.html

The Indiana Sustainability and Resilience Conference connects Hoosiers to knowledge, tools, and resources to accelerate sustainability and resilience efforts.

09/01/2026

A summer of creativity and collaboration came together at the Rural Placemaking Studio Public Design Open House at Maxwell Hall.

IU Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design students and rural Indiana community partners shared their final designs with the public, showcasing community-driven ideas for public art, gathering spaces, signage, historical displays, and more.

Learn more about the Rural Placemaking Studio at go.iu.edu/ruralplacemakingstudio.

08/28/2026

IU faculty set out from Bloomington for the 2026 Rural Indiana Faculty Tour to experience the people, places, and possibilities shaping rural Indiana.

Over three days and 250 miles, the group traveled through Orange, Dubois, Daviess, and Brown counties, connecting with rural leaders, community organizations, and one another along the way.

Here’s a look at some of the moments that made this year’s tour memorable.

08/27/2026

We're hiring!

The IU Center for Rural Engagement is seeking a full-time community resilience liaison to connect rural Indiana communities with IU resources and expertise and advance community-identified priorities.

This role will build relationships with partners, coordinate community-engaged projects, and support efforts that strengthen environmental, social, and economic resilience across the state.

Learn more and apply: go.iu.edu/VMX1uM

08/26/2026

"What’s Next, America?" from the National Issues Forums Institute is offering $250,000 in grant funding to help communities, campuses, and K-12 classrooms organize local conversations, identify shared priorities, and move ideas into nonpartisan civic action.

Spark Grants provide $1,000 to help communities organize and host What’s Next, America? conversations. Applications are open now.

Civic Action Grants of $2,500 to $5,000 support local, nonpartisan projects and civic actions that emerge from What’s Next, America? conversations. Applications open Sept. 17.

Learn more and apply:

A national conversation rooted in local communities. Mapping Progress “What’s Next, America?” conversations are happening—and growing—in communities across the country. Explore the map to see where people are coming together to talk, decide, and act. Want to add your initiative? Fill out t...