VIDEOS
Learn about some of our programs, projects, and services.
The Rural Engagement & Vitality Center Center (REV) strives to cultivate vibrant and prosperous rural communities in eastern Oregon. With the diversity of work the REV does - including economic initiatives, educational programs, municipal projects, and studies - the common thread is valuing rural communities and the landscape of eastern Oregon. REV wants to show people unfamiliar with rural life its unique charms and opportunities to those who have yet to discover its treasures.
Legacy Programs
REV works to get area youth involved with the numerous outdoor experiences available in the region through the programs below.
Cottonwood Crossing Summer Institute (CCSI): This is a week-long residential field studies program for high school students held in Cottonwood Canyon State Park. Participants choose from course options where they learn about locally significant cultural or natural resources. Projects are led by EOU faculty, EOU students, and other regional professionals.
Cottonwood Canyon Teaching Institute (CCTI): During this week, teachers engage in hands-on learning through three projects – engineering design, water quality studies, and storytelling. Our program is focused on technical skills and projects that you can use with your students and also encourages collaborative time with your colleagues to identify and problem-solve challenges you’ll face in the classroom during implementation.
Get Outside After School Activities Program (GO-ASAP): Every Spring, university students coordinate and oversee area middle school students in activities including hiking, paddle boarding, rock climbing, mountain biking, and cross country skiing.
Community Partnerships
Using fresh ideas and research, REV works within the eastern Oregon region on a wide variety of projects, as listed below.
The Blues Intergovernmental Council (BIC) members include leaders from all 14 local counties, as well as federal, state, and tribal government entities. The diverse membership of the BIC ensures numerous perspectives and interests are represented.
Any discussion of workforce development eventually leads to a common challenge facing our communities across eastern Oregon - the shortage of workforce housing. This is our most recent video of a discussion about workforce housing.
University Projects
REV works with Eastern Oregon University faculty and students to provide local knowledge and deeper understanding.
The Urban Rural Ambassadors Course connects Eastern Oregon University with Portland State University to offer this unique class. The program has evolved over the years, and in 2025 will consist of two weekends in May, one in the Portland area and one in eastern Oregon. This allows EOU and PSU students to experience the challenges and lifestyles of the different population bases.
On June 11, 2024, Grace Donovan, Executive Director of REV, took part in a panel discussion, "College Partnerships to Fuel Rural Development," hosted by the Chronicle of Higher Education with support from Ascendium Education Group.