In Richmond’s East End, learning doesn’t stop when the school day ends. Peter Paul Development Center provides after-school and summer programs that help students build skills through hands-on opportunities, explore career paths and find support both in and out of the classroom.
Founded in 1979, the organization began as a small after-school program serving fewer than 30 children at a nearby church. Nearly 50 years later, it’s become a community hub.
“Peter Paul was created to give students a safe place to come after school and work on homework,” said Sharon Burton, director of education. “Now, we serve about 144 students each year from first through 12th grade with programs that have expanded to meet the needs of the community.”
Students enrolled in the program come from the immediate community and must live in or attend school in Richmond’s East End.
“We do an excellent job of getting rid of one of the primary barriers for children to attend after-school programs,” Burton said. “We pick them up from school, and then at dismissal, we take them home. Not at bus stops, but door to door.”
Hands-on learning
Through its programs, Peter Paul hopes to expose students to new experiences and possibilities they may not encounter otherwise. While the organization may have started as traditional tutoring, it has expanded into something far more exploratory.
“My goal is for each child to leave each day knowing a little bit more about who they are,” Burton said. “And that their world is bigger than what they see every single day.”
Students participate in practical application through STEAM education, which combines science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. The goal is to help students apply concepts they learn in school through creative projects and collaborative activities.
“What we found is that our students love those subjects, but they want to experience them in a different way,” Burton said.
Through STEAM programming, students work together to design and build projects using the engineering design process. They brainstorm ideas, create plans and test their work, all while learning how to collaborate and solve problems.
“We want to make sure students are not falling through the cracks,” said CEO Corey Taylor.
We want to make sure students are not falling through the cracks
Peter Paul also offers programs aimed at older students through its New Gen initiative, which helps middle and high school students explore potential career paths and develop life skills.
“Our students, particularly our girls, love hair – so, what better way to show them how their hairstyles are created than by bringing in a professional?,” Taylor said. “They show them how to braid, comb and care, and also how to start your own business.”
“No matter how old you are, you’re coming in with things that have transpired during the day, during the week, during the month that are just piling up, and you need an opportunity to just be,” Taylor said. “What we hope to continue building here is a place where people can feel like they can have some sort of release, without fear of punishment or judgment.”
Supporting the entire community
Beyond youth programs, Peter Paul supports the wider East End community and mobilizes the Community Action Network, understanding that the success and wellbeing of children begins by ensuring every member of the community – their families, their neighbors, their teachers – has access to the vital resources they need to thrive.
For example, the Older Adults Program provides socialization opportunities for the senior community, connecting them to first-time experiences like Zumba and yoga. Peter Paul also partners with Feed More to aid food insecurity and help families in the area.
“We really want to make sure that every generation in the East End gets some support in some way.” Taylor said. “Every generation and every walk of life.”
Peter Paul relies on the support of volunteers and donors to keep programs free for students and families. Volunteers can mentor students, help with food distribution or offer specialized skills to enhance classroom programs.
For more information, visit Peter Paul’s website.
