We are actively engaging the energy and creativity of IU Bloomington students interested in applying classroom lessons to the real issues and problems facing our rural neighbors.
An education that works anywhere
COLLABORATE
We are an active partner in community-engaged research, teaching, and service projects

Student Agile Response Team (START)
We are working together as a campus to leverage the vast skills, passion, and time of our students to more efficiently and effectively support our community in creating a better, stronger future.
Join STARTSustaining Hoosier Communities
Guided by faculty who share relevant knowledge and best practices, you can integrate meaningful civic engagement and professional experience into your studies.
Through the center’s Sustaining Hoosier Communities program, you can engage with Indiana’s rural communities while developing transferable skills, professional experience, and relationships with local community leaders.
Internships
The Center for Rural Engagement regularly has internship opportunities in media, data science, arts and humanities, community engagement, and more for talented candidates with a passion for our community-focused mission.
Follow us on LinkedIn or Handshake to get notified of new opportunities!
NETWORK
We support networking between campus and communities

Conferences
We host informative sessions, colloquia, and conferences that examine rural issues and highlight emerging opportunities. See our current events.Referrals and connections
We bring rural residents and the IU community together. Contact us if we can facilitate an introduction.
COMMUNICATE
We curate information from our initiatives for campus stakeholders
Media support
Whether you’re interested in writing a story about the Center for Rural Engagement, or you need help with finding media support, our communications team is here to help.Data requests
Services are available to help with finding data resources, gathering data for projects focused in southern Indiana, and providing simple, descriptive visualizations. Send us an email to request data and visualizations.
Students in action

Lindsay Rasnake
Indiana Geological & Water Survey
A master's student at the O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Lindsay worked with the Indiana Geological & Water Survey to locate, sample, and analyze groundwater springs throughout the Indiana Uplands region.
Read Lindsay's story
Logan Gingrich
Rural Health Project Assistant
A graduate of IU with bachelor's degrees in psychology and biology, Logan worked to reduce stigma around drug use and increase health literacy and access for Indiana's rural residents by providing wellness screenings and health resources.
Read Logan's story
Abby Joe Hartzburg
Greene County Youth Council
As a freshman majoring in exercise science and a rural Indiana resident, Abby partnered with Greene County to design resources for a new 4-H youth council focusing on the importance of fitness and how it impacts psychological well-being.
Read Abby's story