News and events
Kamala Harris leads Donald Trump 46% to 36% in Virginia, Cost of living is the top concern for voters (38%) heading into election season
A new poll from the VCU Wilder School reveals Kamala Harris leading Donald Trump by 10 points in Virginia as voters prepare for the 2024 election. With the cost of living cited as the top concern by 38% of voters, the poll also highlights a near tie in voter trust over economic leadership between Harris and Trump. Governor L. Douglas Wilder comments on how Harris’s stance on reproductive rights has resonated with voters. Full results and analysis available.
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Wilder School Commonwealth Poll: 75% of Virginians agree history of race should be taught in K-12 schools and a high percentage of Virginians agree VCU President Michael Rao should provide public accounting of money spent on real-estate development
When asked about Israel’s military actions in Gaza, the most common sentiment is that Israel was justified in taking military action in Gaza, but it has now gone too far (39%)
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Project ReConnect to support individuals involved in criminal justice system who have substance use and mental health needs.
With a $2 million federal grant, the VCU-led initiative will support Chesterfield County Jail and community re-entry programs, as well as create student internships.
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Financial aid expert Jill Desjean explains the consequences and challenges of Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) changes
What are the ripple effects of recent changes to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) program? How are these challenges affecting students, families and educational institutions? Jill Desjean, a senior policy analyst at the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, shared her expertise during a recent Wilder School Lunch and Learn virtual presentation entitled: “FAFSA: Complications and Implications.”
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Challenging philanthropic whiteness: Addressing racial inequities in funding public and nonprofit organizations
A new study by Charity Scott, an assistant professor of public administration at the Wilder School, published in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal, reveals how philanthropic practices often perpetuate racial inequities, urging a shift towards more inclusive and equitable funding strategies.
Read more.jpg "Elsie Harper-Anderson is an associate professor of urban and regional planning at VCU’s L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs, specializing in minority entrepreneurship and systemic challenges to entrepreneurial growth. Her research has been funded by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and the Chicago Urban League.")
A turning point for entrepreneurial diversity: Elsie Harper-Anderson on the impact of the Fearless Fund ruling
Last month, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit temporarily blocked the Fearless Fund from awarding grants to Black women entrepreneurs, sparking debate over race-conscious programs. The ruling significantly impacts corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, with venture capital funding for Black and Latina women dropping below 1%. In this Q&A, Elsie Harper-Anderson discusses the ruling's impacts and strategies for designing resilient programs.
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Former President Donald Trump leads President Joe Biden by 3 points in Virginia, with Biden’s approval level among commonwealth voters at 36%
Cost of living remains the top issue impacting voting, with reproductive rights ranking second. 111 days before Election Day, President Joe Biden trails former President Trump in Virginia 39% to 36%. 36% of voters approve of Biden's job as president.
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Towards a people’s history of landscape: The National Endowment for the Humanities program facilitates Richmond geography as a critical window to the past
Through “understanding history by centering people and communities in place,” a Wilder School-hosted summer program connects higher education scholars to Richmond geography.
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Policy Pathways and VCU Wilder School celebrate students' accomplishments at a Summer Academy capstone showcase
“Policy Pathways’ work connects high school, community college and early college students from all communities and backgrounds to the vital work of public servants. Public service is a bold and noble profession. Policy Pathways uncovers talented future leaders through their outstanding programs, of which we are a proud supporter."
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Wilder Fellows stand out as students, researchers, and policy experts
A longstanding program pairs students with employers around the Richmond region each year including nonprofits, government agencies and businesses.
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