Castleton in Motion
When Castleton President Dave Wolk unveiled “Castleton on the Move,” a strategic roadmap for the next decade of the college’s journey, he set in motion a plan to help build on the reinvigoration of the college with well-planned incremental increases in undergraduate and graduate enrollment, staffing, programs and facilities. The plan promised to place a greater investment in, and commitment to the Rutland area, including downtown Rutland as a destination for selected new facilities and programs that will further enhance the quality of a Castleton education while providing the region with much needed intellectual capital.
Less than one year later Castleton Downtown has become a reality. Located in downtown Rutland in the Opera House, the center will work to further the college’s educational mission and better connect it with schools, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and industries. An expanded effort in community engagement programs, Castleton Center for Schools outreach, and new connections with the greater Rutland community are also key components to the new programs.
The office houses four distinct, yet complimentary divisions: The Castleton Polling Institute, The Center for Community Engagement, The Center for Entrepreneurial Programs, and The Center for Schools.
The mission of Castleton Downtown is to serve as a significant player in support of economic growth and maturity in the Rutland Region and to further enable Castleton University to meet its central mission of supporting and improving the region’s communities, schools, organizations, businesses, and environment. What makes Castleton’s role distinctive is the synergy that is created between entrepreneurial initiatives that promote economic development and new and meaningful student engagement with the community. This can be defined as “action-oriented entrepreneurship,” powered by active student engagement and the intellectual resources of the College.
Just three years after being established, the Castleton Polling Institute has experienced unparalleled success and growth. In February Dr. Rich Clark officially opened the doors on the brand new location in downtown Rutland, which provides much needed classroom and office space, while also providing an expanded calling center. Still in its relative infancy, the polling institute has provided important survey research for both public and private entities. It has been featured nationally for its work and ranks favorably among its peers according to Nate Silver’s FiveThirtyEight Pollster Ratings, which are calculated by analyzing the historical accuracy of each firm’s polls and methodology.
The Center for Entrepreneurial Programs’ main role will be in developing customized training programs that result in enhanced employee skill levels. Offerings are determined by local and regional needs assessment data. This is a financially self-sustaining program that provides both customized services and the potential for future certificate programming in areas of consistent high interest. Training may or may not be associated with college credit, giving the center flexibility in its offerings.
In addition the center will be matching and connecting college programs and students with the specific needs of our business and community partners. Internship experiences and community engagement opportunities benefit both Castleton students and local businesses/community organizations. Students receive mentorship, valuable experience related to their future career goals and opportunities to network with professionals in their chosen fields of study. Businesses and community organizations benefit from work performed by enthusiastic and skilled students and from a growing pool of applicants, who may be interested in future employment. Employers agree to provide comprehensive oversight of students, by following mutually agreed upon work plans. Students receive college credit or civic engagement hours for duties performed and may receive payment for their services, which is negotiated within the work plan contract.
The Center for Schools has long been established as a leader in providing and supporting professional development for the region’s educators, while the Center for Community Engagement has also had a long history of developing strong community partnerships to increase student and faculty involvement in community engagement, civic engagement and service-learning courses.
The new center is the latest facility Castleton has established in Rutland, joining the Castleton Downtown Gallery in downtown Rutland, and the Spartan Arena in Rutland Town. Castleton has also established several strong partnerships with Green Mountain Power, The Paramount Theatre, and the Gift of Life Marathon.
These distinctive college and community collaborations are poised to contribute to economic development and consequent job growth.