Welcome

 Purpose: The Richmond Youth Empowerment Program (RYEP) is designed to support middle and high school students in Richmond, VA by providing academic assistance, personal development workshops, and a safe, engaging environment. This program aims to empower youth to reach their full potential both academically and personally, preparing them for successful futures.

Program Goals:

1. Academic Support: Provide tutoring, study sessions, and resources to help students improve their grades and academic skills.
2. Personal Growth: Develop essential life skills, such as communication, teamwork, and resilience.
3. College and Career Readiness: Prepare students for life after high school by offering college preparation, career exploration, and financial literacy.
4. Community Engagement: Foster a sense of community and civic responsibility through volunteer projects and community partnerships.
5. Social and Emotional Support: Offer a safe space with supportive mentors and counselors to address social and emotional well-being.
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Target Age Group: Middle School and High School Students (Grades 6-12)

Days of Operation: Monday - Thursday

Program Duration: 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Program Location: Local schools, community centers, and/or partnership facilities within Richmond, VA.

Monday

3:30 - 4:00 PM

Check-In / Snack Time

Welcoming students, providing snacks, and setting daily goals.

4:00 - 5:00 PM

Academic Tutoring & Homework Help

One-on-one or group tutoring in core subjects.

5:00 - 6:00 PM

Workshop: Study Skills & Time Management

Teaching techniques for studying effectively.

6:00 - 6:30 PM

Reflection & Check-Out

Review what was learned and set goals for the next day.

Tuesday

3:30 - 4:00 PM

Check-In / Social Time

Warm-up activities to build connections among students.

4:00 - 5:00 PM

Group Tutoring & Peer Study Groups

Collaborative study sessions with peer mentors.

5:00 - 6:00 PM

Life Skills Workshop: Communication & Teamwork

Exercises in effective communication and teamwork skills.

6:00 - 6:30 PM

Reflection & Check-Out

Daily recap and acknowledgment of progress.

Wednesday

3:30 - 4:00 PM

Check-In / Snack Time

Informal time for students to settle in and set daily goals.

4:00 - 5:00 PM

Academic Focus: STEM and Literacy Labs

Hands-on labs and activities to enhance STEM and literacy.

5:00 - 6:00 PM

Career Exploration Workshop

Career panel discussions, job shadowing, and resume building.

6:00 - 6:30 PM

Reflection & Check-Out

Discussion on career aspirations and weekly goals.

Thursday

3:30 - 4:00 PM

Check-In / Community Sharing

Students share experiences and set personal intentions.

4:00 - 5:00 PM

Mentorship Circles

Small group mentoring focused on personal growth.

5:00 - 6:00 PM

Health and Wellness Workshop

Lessons on nutrition, stress management, and physical health.

6:00 - 6:30 PM

Weekly Wrap-Up & Goal Setting

Reflection on weekly accomplishments and goal planning.

Academic Support:

• Tutoring & Homework Help: Available every day, focusing on core subjects like Math, English, Science, and History.
• Study Skills Workshops: Teaching organization, note-taking, test preparation, and goal-setting strategies.

Personal Development Workshops:

• Topics include leadership, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence, and effective communication.
• Activities and discussions to strengthen self-confidence, empathy, and resilience.

College and Career Readiness:

• Career Exploration: Panels with local professionals, job shadowing opportunities, and introductions to various career paths.
• College Preparation: Support for SAT/ACT prep, college application processes, and financial aid resources.

Community Engagement Projects:

• Partnerships with local organizations to provide volunteer opportunities and community service projects.

Social and Emotional Support:

• Access to guidance counselors and peer mentors to support students’ mental and emotional well-being.
• Mentorship Circles: Small groups that meet weekly to discuss challenges, personal goals, and celebrate progress.

• Improved academic performance and confidence in school subjects.
• Development of life skills that contribute to personal and professional success.
• Increased awareness of college and career options, with tools for planning future goals.
• Enhanced community engagement and a sense of responsibility toward one’s community.
• Stronger social-emotional skills, including resilience, self-advocacy, and a positive sense of self.

• Monthly Check-Ins: Tracking academic progress, personal growth, and any challenges students are facing.
• Parent and Teacher Feedback: Engaging families and school staff in assessing each student’s development and providing insights for further support.
• Student Surveys: Gathering feedback from students on the effectiveness of sessions, topics, and resources to improve the program.

The Richmond Youth Empowerment Program (RYEP) is designed to foster growth, success, and self-confidence in Richmond’s youth. By combining academic assistance, life skills, career readiness, and community service, we aim to prepare students not only for high school success but also for college, careers, and responsible citizenship. Through RYEP, students will leave with the tools they need to create a bright and promising future.