Education & Youth Development
Spiders serve as mentors and support Richmond's educational landscape in many different ways. Learn more about our community relationships, then click the link to explore current opportunities with each organization.
Community Relationships & Opportunities
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Armstrong Leadership Program
The Armstrong Leadership Program focuses on leadership development, academic support, and community engagement for students attending Armstrong High School in Richmond.
Please email yrajput@richmondhillva.org if you are interested in volunteering at the Armstrong Leadership Program.
If you have any questions, request an advising appointment. -
CodeRVA Regional High School
CodeRVA is an innovative high school that offers a specialized curriculum focused on computer science and coding, preparing students for careers in technology-related fields.
Please email kume.goranson@coderva.org if you are interested in volunteering at the CodeRVA.
If you have any questions, request an advising appointment. -
Communities in Schools
Communities in Schools (CIS) is a nationwide organization that partners with schools to provide support services, resources, and mentoring to at-risk students, helping them succeed academically and in life.
Visit the Communities in Schools-Richmond website to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
Please note: This organization requires a background check which has a fee and requires a social security number. If you have questions or need support navigating this process, please fill out the Advising Request Form and we will follow up with you.
If you have any other questions, request an advising appointment. -
Girls for a Change
Girls for a Change empowers young girls by providing programs and support that promote leadership, self-confidence, and social change within their communities.
Visit the Girls for a Change website to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
If you have any questions, request an advising appointment. -
Henrico Education Foundation
The Henrico Education Foundation works to enhance educational opportunities for students in Henrico County by providing resources, grants, and programs that enrich the learning experience.
Visit the Henrico Education Foundation website to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
If you have any questions, request an advising appointment. -
Henrico Police Athletic League
Henrico PAL is committed to providing safe and structured activities to the youth of Henrico County. PALs around the country have a 90-year history. Henrico PAL was established in 2007 and offers year-round and seasonal sports programs, after-school education programs, and summer camps for youth elementary through high school.
Visit Henrico PAL to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
If you have any questions, request an advising appointment.
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Higher Achievement Richmond
Higher Achievement Richmond works closely with schools and community partners to provide critical academic and social-emotional tools to help our scholars thrive. The afterschool program for 6th-8th grade combines academic enrichment, mentoring, and social-emotional support for middle school youth in Richmond.
Visit the Higher Achievement website to learn more about volunteer opportunities.If you have any questions, request an advising appointment.
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MENTOR Virginia
MENTOR Virginia is an organization that promotes and supports mentoring programs across the state, connecting mentors with young people to provide guidance, support, and positive role models.
Please email admin@mentorva.org if you are interested in volunteering at MENTOR Virginia.
If you have any questions, request an advising appointment. -
Peter Paul
Peter Paul provides comprehensive programs and services to empower residents of Richmond’s East End, with a focus on education, community development, and family support.
Visit the Peter Paul website to learn more about volunteer opportunities. If you have any questions, request an advising appointment.
Please note: This organization requires a background check which has a fee and requires a social security number. If you have questions or need support navigating this process, please fill out the Advising Request Form and we will follow up with you. -
Podium
Podium empowers youth ages 10-19 in Greater Richmond & the Tri Cities as confident, capable writers and communicators with the skills necessary to succeed in school, career, and life. Volunteers and interns orchestrate programs, support events, and help with communications.
Visit the Podium website to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
If you have any questions, request an advising appointment. -
Rise Academy
Rise is the only independent school in Richmond’s East End with a mission to cultivate the God-given potential of students through learning opportunities that equip them to flourish. Together with families, neighbors, and community partners, Rise Academy is creating a Richmond where all students can bring their big dreams to life.
Visit Rise Academy’s website to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
If you have any questions, request an advising appointment. -
Richmond Public Schools
Richmond Public Schools (RPS) is the local school district responsible for providing education to the students of Richmond, offering a range of programs and services to support their academic growth.
Visit the Richmond Public Schools website to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
If you have any questions, request an advising appointment. -
YMCA of Greater Richmond
The Y is committed to making our community a better place to live, work and play building strong kids, strong families and strong communities in Richmond since 1854. With 16 convenient locations, the Y provides the resources that neighborhoods need in a local community center with healthy and fun programs that span the generations.
Visit the Y’s website to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
If you have any questions, request an advising appointment.
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Youth Life of Richmond
Youth Life of Richmond provides academic support and mentoring to children in under-resourced communities, helping them achieve their full potential.
Visit the Youth Life website to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
If you have any questions, request an advising appointment.
Campus Connections
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PACE (Pathways to a College Experience)
PACE (Pathways to a College Experience) on-campus tours, hosted by student volunteers, expose elementary and middle school students to the possibility of a college education.
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Scholars’ Latino Initiative
The Scholars’ Latino Initiative, SLI for short, is an organization that pairs current UR students with Latinx high school students from the Richmond City area. This mentorship goes beyond supplemental academic help because UR students are prepping these students for college and beyond. Led by Dr. Kaufman in the Leadership School, SLI has helped Latinx students keep their passion for learning and continue their education at a four year university or junior college. SLI is open to any UR student that is motivated to shape the new generation of Latinx leaders in the Richmond area. Mentors do not have to be Latinx, and Spanish is not required.
Relevant Courses
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EDUC 217 Foundations of Education
Introduction to the American educational system. Explores the philosophical, sociological, historical, and political roots of schools today. Attention also given to the legal status of teachers and students, including federal and state laws and regulations, school as an organization/culture, and contemporary issues in education including the use of relevant data in instructional decision-making.
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EDUC 337 Education and Public Policy
Survey of contemporary issues and examination of legislation affecting educational policy at both the state and local level. In-depth examination of current and emerging policy issues, strategies for influencing policy, and techniques for adapting new policy into current school culture and processes. -
SOC 320 Race, Class, and Schooling
Deepens students’ understanding of the various ways in which race and class inequality manifest in schools and shape the educational experiences of students. -
EDUC 376 Social Justice in Education