Community Engagement

Science Pub

A tradition of community engagement in the Hampton Roads region is part of what makes Park, Recreation and Tourism Studies at Â鶹´«Ã½ so unique. Experiential learning opportunities facilitated through the PRTS Lab allow students to apply theories, principles, methodologies and content presented in undergraduate and graduate classes in community and industry settings with actual clients and stakeholders. Using the lab, students train, prepare and deliver evidenced-based programming, facilitate therapeutic interventions and assist with the execution and evaluation of events with and for local and regional partners. Faculty also engage with community members and groups to share knowledge, build capacity to create sustainable change and increase opportunities for healthy recreation participation.

Community Engagement Opportunities

Examples of community engagement opportunities currently or previously facilitated through the PRTS Lab include, but are not limited to:

Beth Sholom Village

  • Senior Wellness Program

Blocker YMCA

  • After-school Program

Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters (CHKD)

  • Family Diabetes Camp
  • Teen Diabetes Program
  • Candy exchange

City of Norfolk

  • Keep Norfolk Beautiful Adopt a Spot Program

Lions Club 24D

  • Family Diabetes Camp

Mighty Monarchs

Nansemond Indian Tribe

  • Tourism Planning for Mattanock Town

Norfolk Botanical Gardens

Norfolk Parks, Recreation and Open Space

  • Therapeutic Recreation Center Special Events
  • Norfolk Society for the Conservation of Cemeteries

Norfolk Public Schools (Larchmont Elementary School)

  • Field Day
  • 5k and 1-mile RAT Race
  • After-school Program

Â鶹´«Ã½ Recreation and Wellness Department

  • Â鶹´«Ã½ Triathlon

Saint Patrick Catholic School

  • Preschool Field Day
  • Leadership University (Summer Day Camp)

Special Olympics Virginia

  • Â鶹´«Ã½ Little Feet Meet
  • Polar Plunge

Virginia Arts Festival

  • International Tattoo

Virginia Zoo

Beth Shalom Village Senior Wellness Program
An Â鶹´«Ã½ Student visits with a resident of Beth Shalom Village as part of the Senior Wellness Program.
WCB Ball
Playing a game of wheelchair basketball.