Enrichment Opportunities

Save the Date!

Virginia National Bank (VNB) will begin taking applications in September 2025 for its next Finance Career and Leadership Academy (FCLA, Academy). The 2026 Academy’s in-person, evening classes are scheduled to take place from the beginning of February - mid June 2026 and will be held in Charlottesville, Virginia.

The FCLA is an in-depth and challenging educational program that offers students in high school the training and skills necessary to understand and manage one’s personal finances, obtain employment and excel as a professional, AND potentially lay the groundwork for a free college education and a promising career in the banking and finance industry. 

The Academy is open to high school juniors and seniors and is free to those that are accepted into the program.

More information will be communicated come the beginning of the 2025-26 school year. Until then please feel free to check out the links listed below –

 FCLA Home Page: https://www.vnb.com/community/finance-career-leadership-academy
Recent FCLA Graduates: https://www.vnb.com/blog/detail/congratulations-to-the-2024-graduates-of-vnbs-finance-career-leadership-aca

Join the Virginia Discovery Museum and the Smithsonian for the Democracy in Dialogue Summer Virtual Exchange Program which brings students together from across the country to explore the principles and practice of community through story-telling, collaboration, and civic engagement!

Students, aged 15-18, will research the impact Virginia Discovery Museum has on the community while exchanging and learning with peers from different areas. This program is free.

Dates: July 21-25 from 3 - 5 pm

Participants will:
Boost their resumes with a prestigious summer program
Develop communication skills 
Earn community service hours
Connect with students locally and virtually across the country

Application Deadline: June 2, 2025 at 5:00 pm
Only 12 students will be selected so be sure to submit your application early. Applications will be evaluated on a first come, first serve basis.

Questions: Contact Amy Griffith at amy@vadm.org

View the flyer

The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History was founded in 1994 by Richard Gilder and Lewis E. Lehrman, visionaries and lifelong supporters of American history education. The Institute is the leading nonprofit and nonpartisan organization dedicated to K–12 history education while also serving the general public. Its mission is to promote the knowledge and understanding of American history through educational programs and resources.

The Institute brings the work of today’s leading historians into classrooms and homes around the globe. Through public events, publications, posters, videos, exhibitions, essays, and a dedicated website rich in primary sources, the Institute brings every period of American history to life. 

This spring, the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History is pleased to offer contests for students in grades 3 through 12. All contests are free to enter, provide cash prizes for the winners, and allow students the opportunity to explore a particular topic, theme, or individual from American history. 

Learn more about the David McCullough Essay Contest below, and please email education@gilderlehrman.org if you have any questions!

David McCullough Essay Contest is named in memory of David McCullough (1933–2022)—a Pulitzer Prize–winning historian and Gilder Lehrman Life Trustee—and honors his career telling America’s stories and examining its histories.

Eligible grade levels: 9 – 12

Prizes:

1st Prize: $5,000 (plus a $500 prize awarded to the school)

2nd Prize: $1,500 (plus a $500 prize awarded to the school)

Five 3rd Place Prizes of $500 each

Submission deadline: Friday, June 27

The David McCullough Essay Prizes recognize seven outstanding high school students with prizes of up to $5,000.

High school students are invited to submit an original essay—written independently or for a 2024–2025 class—that has been revised, expanded, and adapted to conform with the McCullough Prize specifications, namely:

An interpretive essay focusing on close reading and analysis of a primary source in the Gilder Lehrman Collection.

OR

A research essay, incorporating primary and secondary sources, on any topic in American history from 1491 to 2001.

Learn More: https://www.gilderlehrman.org/student-opportunities/david-mccullough-essay-prizes

Reach out to Mrs. Robertson or Mrs. Sohne-Johnston with any questions.

The world needs bold, visionary leaders—those who think beyond limits. CARELab is your (high school and college students) launchpad for developing the mindset, 21 skills, and courage to create a sustainable future.  We are excited to announce the support of Charlottesville's Mayor Juandiego Wade in this summer's CARELab Mayor's Challenge!  Mayor Wade will visit our CARELab session to share 4 top REAL Cville challenges for our students to address. Our intent is to align opportunities for them to share with local nonprofits for possible implementation. This is a great example of our NextGen connecting with our community, using their AI and leadership skills to create a positive impact! To learn more about CareLab: https://care360.global/carelab/  In just 8 days, you will: Collaborate in Teams – Cultivate self-awareness & empathy to ignite innovation. Harness AI for Good – Use AI consciously to navigate sustainable solutions. Be Future-Ready – Anticipate challenges and design solutions rooted in your values. Create Real Impact – Build ventures that align profit with sustainability. Enhance Problem-Solving – Confront assumptions & make decisions that balance logic with intuition.  Details: 2-weeks (40 hours):  Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Final Saturday & Sunday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.  June 16 – 29, 2025: University of Richmond, Robins School of Business July 14 – 27, 2025: University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Rotunda    

See the flyer for additional details and a QR code to register for the Q&A. 

Virtual National Security Language Initiative for Youth (Virtual NSLI-Y)  is a program of the U.S. Department of State, introducing U.S. high school students to languages critical to U.S. national security.  The NSLI-Y is a 10-week language and culture experience for U.S. high schoolers. Participants gain critical language, cross-cultural communication, and other practical skills in an interactive online setting.

Participants receive a full scholarship to participate in virtual classes twice a week, led by an experienced teacher. Class size is approximately 10 students.

PROGRAM AT A GLANCE

FALL ‘25 LANGUAGES: Beginner-level Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Korean, or Russian

APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 9

PROGRAM DATES: 8 September - 16 November

COSTS: Covered by Virtual NSLI-Y scholarship

ELIGIBILITY: U.S. citizens currently enrolled in U.S.-based high schools. Full eligibility and participation requirements are available at www.nsliforyouth.org/virtual.

Please review the attached flyer for more information and be sure to consult with your world language teacher and advisor about whether you are a good match for the program. Please note that you will need to commit to this 10-week experience and that the work will be in addition to the requirements of your St. Anne's-Belfield coursework and obligations. Students with strong executive function, passion for learning beyond the classroom, interest in international relations, and strong and independent work habits are encouraged to apply.

Want to get hands-on experience in marketing and digital content creation? Join the School's Comms team and help show off the best of St. Anne's-Belfield! You’ll create content for the School’s official accounts, organize pics and videos for SmugMug, and get a behind-the-scenes look into what it takes to run an integrated communications operation. Bonus: you may be able to earn volunteer hours — just check with the Upper School office first.

Interested? Message Mrs. P, digital marketing manager, at ephillips@stab.org.

 

Examples of what you could do:

• Create welcome videos for incoming students
• Plan and run Instagram takeovers
• Take photos for SmugMug
• Interview students, faculty, and staff
• Create Instagram Reels

Our past volunteers and interns have gone on to:

• Help run social media accounts for their colleges, such as MIT and University of Southern California
• Launch a web-based initiative with 28 million impressions in the first 24 hours

Qualifications 

• Familiarity with design/editing software such as Canva, Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere Pro, or CapCut
• Ability to work independently, communicate regarding project progress, and meet deadlines
• Good written and oral communication skills, organizational skills, and attentiveness to details
• Good academic standing with the Upper School

It takes everyone working together to build community! Habitat for Humanity volunteers have varied skills, interests, and passions that contribute to our mission of building strength, stability, and self-reliance through shelter.

Join us by swinging a hammer, helping at the Store, walking alongside Habitat Homebuyers, and a host of other ways. Whether you are a student, retired, working a full-time job, or raising a family, we have opportunities for you to help in our mission!

Construction
Join us on the build site as an individual or with your team in a rewarding, fun environment --- no experience necessary (Youth Builds 16+; General Builds 18+).

Habitat Store
Help out with donation receiving and carryout, as a department specialist, cashier, furniture assembly specialist, or in a variety of other roles --- individuals and groups are welcome (shifts flexible based on your availability!) - (12+, youth 12 and 13 need to volunteer with a parent, guardian or older sibling)!

Office
Work in the Habitat office as a receptionist or help with administrative tasks to keep operations running smoothly

Youth & Special Events
Serve on the build site for a Youth Build Day or at one of our many special events. Too young to work on site? Bring lunch for volunteers and families on Saturday and tour the build site as part of Lunch Bunch.

Volunteer Teams
Consider joining one of our Volunteer Teams including: Midweek Crew, Women Build, Faith Builders, Habitat UVA, and Habitat Youth Leaders.

For more information or to complete a form: https://www.cvillehabitat.org/how-to-help/voluntee...

You can also call the Volunteer Coordinator at 434-293-9066 or email them directly at volunteer@cvillehabitat.org. The Volunteer Engagement department will be in touch to get you started and ensure you have a great experience!

NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) paid internships allow high school and college-level students to contribute to the agency’s mission to advance science, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration. 

OSTEM internships offer students an opportunity to gain practical work experience while working side-by-side with mentors who are research scientists, engineers, and individuals from many other professions. Internships may be full time or part time on a NASA center or facility.

Join our NASA team and gain valuable on-the-job experience, build your resume, and strengthen your career readiness. We offer three sessions annually, so visit our website often for opportunities.

2025 Internship Application Deadlines:
Fall 2025: May 16, 2025, 11:59 p.m. ET

2026 Internship Application Deadlines:
Spring 2026: September 12, 2025, 11:59 p.m. ET
Summer 2026: February 27, 2026, 11:59 p.m. ET
Fall 2026: May 22, 2026, 11:59 p.m. ET

For more information about the internships: https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/internship-programs/

Application Link

The Jefferson School African American Heritage Center (JSAAHC) is dedicated to providing its diverse audience with unique educational experiences. Through guided tours, school partnerships, family programs, cultural celebrations and adult programs, the Center offers visitors multiple entry points to explore its mission.

JSAAHC interns participate in rewarding hands on experiences that allow them to directly impact programming; interact with other City Center Resident Partners and the community; and learn about Charlottesville history and the culture of African Diaspora peoples. Interns work directly with staff in the areas of: advancement, communications, curatorial, digital humanities and public programs.

Why Intern With Us?
JSAAHC offers internships to promising high school rising juniors, seniors, undergraduates, graduate students or career changers who are considering employment in the arts, history, education, nonprofit management and promotions and marketing. Through administrative and project-based activities, interns have the opportunity to research, conceptualize and implement, programs and initiatives that advance the Heritage Center’s mission.

You can find more information about the program and apply for the Marketing Internship or Development Intern: https://jeffschoolheritagecenter.org/internships/

Students who would like to volunteer with the Jefferson Albemarle Regional Library should consider applying to be a JMRL Teen Volunteer. Students should complete this application and select which type of volunteer position interests them. 

Note: 13 is the minimum age to volunteer independently. Teen Advisory Boards (TAB) and Volunteer Teen Zine Editor positions are open to ages 11-18. 

You may download the application, print it, and bring it to any JMRL library branch. 
Teen Volunteer Application: https://jmrl.org/teen-volunteers

Adults 18 and older should fill out the JMRL Adult Volunteer Application.
Adult Volunteer Application: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfC04jNzYRJ7C92jsI2MfOs9HUsWORr2TfkUDHlRWSWnZ2cFw/viewform

If you’re contacted to volunteer, you will be given a paper contract to be signed by you and your parent or guardian and returned to library staff. 

The Congressional Award provides opportunities for young people to unleash their potential by achieving personal goals focused on volunteerism, character development, and fitness.

The United States Congress established The Congressional Award in 1979 to recognize initiative, service, and achievement in young people. It began as a bipartisan effort in both the United States Senate and the House of Representatives. The Congressional Award is the United States Congress’ award for young Americans. It is non-partisan, voluntary, and non-competitive. Participants earn Bronze, Silver, and Gold Certificates and Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medals.

Each level involves setting goals in four program areas; Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness, and Expedition/Exploration. The program is open to all 14- to 24-year olds regardless of ability, circumstance, or socioeconomic status. Participants earn Bronze, Silver, and Gold Congressional Award Certificates and Bronze, Silver and Gold Congressional Award Medals.

PARTICIPANT TIMELINE

• Register and submit your one-time $25 registration fee
• Sign up for a Submittable account
• Set your goals
• Work toward your goals
• Receive your award
• Move to the next level

Start the process & learn more

St. Anne’s-Belfield alumni have successfully earned silver and gold medals. Please reach out to Mrs. Sohne-Johnston to learn more. Students should check their email for links to the program brochure and workbook. It can take 7 or more months to earn the Bronze Medal and 24 months or more to earn the Gold Medal.

• Are you a 15- to 18-year old visual, literary or performing artist?
• Are you either a citizen of the United States, a permanent resident or legally able to receive taxable income in the U.S. (i.e., have a social security number)?
• Are you in grades 10 – 12 or 15 – 18 years of age on Dec. 1 of the year you are applying.
• If you are selected as an award winner with distinction, this would be your first time attending National YoungArts Week.

If you answered yes to all four questions, consider applying for YoungArts, a program that "identifies exceptional young artists, amplifies their potential, and invests in their lifelong creative freedom" in one of the following disciplines: 

Classical Music/Dance/Design/Film/Jazz/Photography/Theater/Visual Arts/Voice/Writing

About the Program: Every year thousands of performing, visual and literary artists age 15 – 18 apply to YoungArts through our national competition. Award winners with distinction attend National YoungArts Week to collaborate with peers and develop their crafts with internationally recognized leaders in their fields. Award winners with distinction in their senior year are further eligible for nomination as a U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts—one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students.

Award winners at all levels receive mentorship and financial awards; gain access to a lifetime of creative, professional development and funding opportunities; and become part of an uplifting, inter-generational community that helps artists connect, create and collaborate.

Recognition: The prestigious award gives emerging artists a headstart by demonstrating that they have received national recognition from highly respected artists in their field early on in their artistic journey.

Prizes and Mentorship: Receive cash prizes between $250 and $10,000. We provide mentorship opportunities with accomplished artists to help award winners prepare for and navigate a career in the arts.

Important Dates: 
Tuesday, July 22: 2026 YoungArts Application Opens
Tuesday, Aug. 12: Parents & Guardians Info Session
Tuesday, Aug. 26: Educators & Community Partners Info Session
Tuesday, Sept.16: Prospective Applicants Info Session
Tuesday, Oct. 7: 2026 YoungArts Application Closes
Monday, Nov. 24: Winners Announcement

Nomination for U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts: Each year, the White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects 20 YoungArts award winners who attend National YoungArts Week as U.S. Presidential Scholars in the Arts, one of the nation’s highest honors for high school students who exemplify academic and artistic excellence.

For more Information: https://youngarts.org/apply/
FAQs: https://youngarts.org/faq/

Are you still looking for a part-time or full time summer opportunity between June 16 and August 8, 2025?

So you want to help your community while developing your communication, leadership and decision-making skills?

Do you want to spend your summer engaged in Service Learning with sites that offer service to children, the elderly, animals, or the environment?

 

Teens Give is a service-learning program that places children, ages 11 to 17, in supervised relationship-based volunteer activities. Volunteering is supplemented with mentoring, life skills training, case management, reflection activities, counseling, and other support services. 

Service-learning is a research-based teaching and learning strategy that engages youth in service to meeting learning objectives and address real-world issues.

Their tagline "Making a Positive Difference in Our Community While Making a Positive Change in Ourselves" speaks to the quality and strength of the experience you can anticipate.

In order to participate, students or a parent/guardian should email (MCGLOTHLINJ@charlottesville.gov) or call (434-981-8341) to discuss their interests, summer schedule, and receive guidance on what might be a good fit based on site availability and a students interests/strengths.

Daily Schedule
10 – 11 a.m. - Pick up, transportation to site/morning snack

11 – noon - Service Project at partner site/reflection

12 –3 p.m. - Lunch/Recreation Activity

3 – 4 p.m. - Drop Off

Transportation within the City/Urban Albemarle ring and lunch are provided. Limited scholarships are available to City and County Residents. Youth may attend full or part-time.