A UO program that matches graduate students with rural communities to help revitalize local economies has been recognized with the Oregon Main Street Leadership Award.

The award went to the Resource Assistance for Rural Environments, or RARE, which is an AmeriCorps program administered by the UO's Community Service Center based in the School of Architecture and Allied Arts. It was presented Oct. 7 during the Excellence in Revitalization Celebration at the Oregon Main Street annual conference in The Dalles.

“Receiving this award is truly an honor, and the RARE program’s leadership role is only possible because of the wonderful partners we work with,” said program director Megan E. Smith. “Partnering with local communities and RARE participants to achieve community goals benefits everyone. Communities see their projects implemented and RARE participants receive real world experience.”

The award recognizes individuals and organizations offering creative approaches to downtown revitalization through strong leadership that results in significant, long-term contributions. RARE has placed participants in towns throughout Oregon, including Brookings, Astoria, Reedsport and Seaside on the coast to La Grande, Canby, Oregon City, Sweet Home and Gold Hill.

Full details are available in a news story on the website of the School of Architecture and Allied Arts.