Frequently Asked Questions

Simply sign up for one of our experiences! Check out our calendar of events to see if there are any upcoming events that are of interest to you. Visit our programs page to learn more about what types of events we offer.

Unless otherwise indicated, all events are open to Virginia Tech undergraduate and graduate students of any major, as well as faculty and staff members. 

We partner with organizations to create service experiences that put community-identified needs first. Our team's goal is to develop partnerships by building sustainable, mututally beneficial relationships. Are you interested developing a partnership with us? Have a question about a current project? Send our team a note at engage@vt.edu.

No. However, we may be able to put you in touch with a community partner in need of volunteers. We also recommend checking out Volunteer NRV, which is a comprehensive listing of area volunteering opportunities. Also, GobblerConnect is a great way to find student groups focused on service or a cause you are interested in.

All of our trips are free, except for overnight trips (weekends, alternative breaks, and global trips.) Every weekend trip is $40. Alternative breaks and global trips vary in cost based on location. Grants that cover up to half the cost of the trip are available for all trips with fees.

Yes. A limited amount of grants that cover up to half the cost of the trip are available for all trips with fees. All applicants will be considered.

Please speak to your instructor about their preferred method for tracking your progress. We suggest recording the details in a spreadsheet. 

Thank you for your interest in VT Engage and our programs! Each semester, we receive numerous requests from students asking to do stories on our work for a class project or for student-run media.

We are happy to try to help you with your project, but we are a small team and we are not able to accommodate every request.

We need a minimum of seven days notice to arrange filming during one of our programs. In order to arrange filming, we need to get permission from our student participants and community partners ahead of time. There are no exceptions to this. 

While we do not agree with the practice of assigning community service as punishment, we want to be able to assist students needing these hours by offering them meaningful opportunities to connect with community. Before you sign up for any experience, please note the following information.

• Before signing up for any trip, please email us at engage@vt.edu to let us know you need to complete this hours requirement.
• Note that the only documentation we can provide to verify your hours is a notarized letter confirming your attendance and hours served on the trips you attended.
  • Because of FERPA privacy laws, we cannot verify your hours over the phone with any agency, under any circumstances.
  • Before you sign up for any of our trips, please confirm with the agency you are working with that a notarized letter is acceptable documentation of your hours.
  • After confirming that a notarized letter is acceptable documentation, you can sign up for one or more of our trips.
  • Once you complete your hours, please follow up with us at engage@vt.edu and request a letter. We will then verify your participation. You will need to come in and pick up the letter in person.