Back-to-school season is well underway. Now, and year-round, several Virginia nonprofits are hard at work ensuring students have the resources and opportunities they need to be successful. Here are a few organizations that support students of different ages:
Next Up RVA
Founded in 2013, NextUp RVA is committed to making sure Richmond youth have access to learning opportunities beyond the classroom. It provides a model for out-of-school time – whether it’s in the hours between school and going home, weekends or summer break – encouraging hands-on enrichment for middle schoolers.
NextUp partners with Richmond Public Schools to reach as many students as possible and brings to the table a team of public agencies, businesses and funders that are easily accessible to students and families. Its programs are active in five public middle schools in the city and in various community settings.
Read our interview with NextUp RVA President and CEO Dr. Traymanesha Lamy. To learn more about its impact in the Richmond region, visit here.
Virginia Learns
This statewide nonprofit brings together businesses and education leaders with a goal to better the Virginia public school system. Virginia Learns works to inform and influence policy makers, amplify the voices of those impacted by education policy and advance state and local partnerships.
Beyond its ongoing work with the government, the organization offers an advocacy fellowship program, statewide listening tours and educator workforce support through the Commonwealth Learning Partnership. Virginia Learns envisions a commonwealth where all public schools can provide students with an education that prepares them for the workforce and beyond.
To learn more about Virginia Learns, check out its mission and programs here.
Access College Foundation
Originally started by two men from Norfolk in 1988, the Access College Foundation helps provide a pathway for underprivileged students to go to college. While offering scholarships is an integral part of the nonprofit’s work, it also connects students with advisory resources, so they’re empowered to make informed decisions related to their higher education and how to best attain their goals.
Access’ reach goes far beyond college applications; it continues to work with students through college. The organization’s mission is to help students graduate from their college or trade school of choice and enter the workforce seamlessly. Its wide variety of programs are rooted in “The Four A’s” – Attendance, Attitude, Academics and Action – and help ease the anxieties that affect students who are considering or working toward higher education.
To get involved in Access or learn about its 2024 Scholarship Awards, click here.
