The Stevenson Center for Community and Economic Development at Illinois State University

The Stevenson Center for Community and Economic Development at Illinois State University is a three-employee organization based in Normal, Illinois, dedicated to public service and global understanding. The Center generates roughly $2.5 million in annual revenue. The Stevenson Center serves a diverse clientele including communities, organizations, students, and Illinois State University. Their primary focus is on providing resources and support to students pursuing careers in community and economic development. This includes administering an interdisciplinary graduate program, facilitating curriculum development, and managing internships and off-campus graduate assistantships. Beyond student support, the Center offers direct services to communities, such as economic impact analyses, grant-writing training, and geographic information systems analysis. Affiliated faculty contribute to the field through research projects focused on areas like local economic development policy, community supported agriculture, and rural school closure. These research efforts are often integrated into the classroom, enhancing the educational experience for students. For more information, please visit stevensoncenter.org.