Our list of program managers for our most frequently inquired about programs is below. If you are still not sure who to contact, please contact us at our general office email and phone: engage@vt.edu and 540-231-6964.
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.
Who can serve on one of your trips?
Unless otherwise indicated, all events are open to Virginia Tech undergraduate and graduate students of any major, as well as faculty and staff members.
Are you a community organization interested in developing a partnership with us?
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.
Do you schedule events for groups or student organizations?
No. However, we may be able to put you in touch with a community partner in need of volunteers.
Also, GobblerConnect is a great way to find student groups focused on service or a cause you are interested in.
How much do your trips costs? Do you offer financial assistance?
Domestic and global alternative breaks vary in cost based on location and length of trip.
Need-based financial assistance is available but limited.
All applicants are encouraged to pay as much as they can in order to ensure equitable access to these opportunities.
I'm enrolled in a service-learning course. Where can I find a timesheet to record my hours?
Please speak to your instructor about their preferred method for tracking your progress.
We suggest recording the details in a spreadsheet.
I'm a student interested in doing a story on one of your programs. Can I attend one of your trips and take video for a class assignment?
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. Please contact engage@vt.edu in the desired timeframe.
Can I fulfill court-ordered community service hours through your office?
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.
I'm currently struggling with access to food and I've heard of your Campus Kitchen program. Can you help?
The Campus Kitchen program is not set up to assist individuals. In order to reach the most amount of people, we work with local nonprofits to supplement their existing programs. If you are a current Virginia Tech student, please check out the following resources to assist you with getting your needs met:
The Market of Virginia Tech is a food security initiative that provides students with weekly bags of groceries. Learn more about this program on the Dean of Students website.
Emergency grants: the Dean of Students office also has emergency assistance grants program available to students. Learn more about these grants and fill out the contact form on their website.
209 Marketplace at Virginia Tech: VT students can shop for food on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 4-6:30 p.m. While the organization is located inside a Methodist campus ministry, all are welcome. Learn more on their Facebook page.
Interfaith Food Pantry: all are welcome to shop at this pantry, which is open weekly Monday 4-6 p.m. and Tuesday–Friday 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
