Our Programs

Batten Engaged partners with community organizations across Hampton Roads to offer students meaningful, hands-on opportunities to serve, contribute, and grow. Here’s what we’re up to:

Oyster Gardening with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation

Batten Engaged participates in the Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s oyster gardening program. Students, faculty, and staff care for two cages of spat-on-shell oysters — baby oysters set on recycled shells. After about one year, the mature adult oysters are returned to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation for planting on sanctuary reefs, where they help filter the Bay and provide essential habitat for fish and other creatures.

Community Garden at Good Samaritan Episcopal Church

Campus Ministries and Batten Engaged students, faculty, and staff help maintain the Community Garden at Good Samaritan Episcopal Church — planting seasonal vegetables, weeding garden beds, and harvesting fresh produce. The garden supports campus sustainability initiatives and provides healthy food for the local community, fostering environmental stewardship and meaningful civic engagement.

Blood Drives with the American Red Cross

Batten Engaged hosts four blood drives throughout the academic year in partnership with the American Red Cross. Blood donations may be used for patients in need of surgery, cancer treatment, or transfusions following traumatic injuries. During the 2022–2023 academic year, the drives produced 115 donors — equating to 327 potential lives saved.

Girls on the Run Hampton Roads

Batten University houses the offices of Girls on the Run Hampton Roads, and Batten Engaged is proud to partner with the organization. Each year, GOTR-HR hosts their celebratory Spring 5K on campus, drawing thousands of supporters and giving program participants a tangible sense of accomplishment. Batten Engaged helps with packet stuffing and sport pack assembly in support of their events and after-school programs.