Enrichment Opportunities
Members of the Upper School Faculty often share opportunities for enrichment with students. In the spirit of partnership, we are sharing this with parents and guardians and encourage you to speak with your students about exploring the opportunities below.
- Society of Women Engineers Visitation Program
- Virginia Space Grant Consortium
- Election Page
- Blue Ridge Boost
- Youth Nex Council
Society of Women Engineers Visitation Program
Society of Women Engineers at UVA High School Visitation Program On Saturday, Oct. 19, the Society of Women Engineers at the University of Virginia will host their High School Visitation program on grounds. The program provides high school students a comprehensive look at engineering fields and UVA’s engineering curriculum through the female perspective. Throughout the day, students will get to explore UVA engineering through informative speakers, an interactive design activity, tours, and much more.
To apply, you must complete the HSV Fall 2024 Application found he
You can find more information about the event and instructions on how to apply online through their website.
The online application must be completed by 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024.
Virginia Space Grant Consortium
Virginia Space Grant Consortium Free NASA-related programs The Virginia Space Grant Consortium provides FREE NASA-related programs for Virginia's high school students in 10th, 11th, and 12th grades. The programs have an interactive online STEM learning experience and are highlighted by a seven-day residential summer academy at NASA.
10th GRADE Virginia Space Coast Scholars (VSCS) focuses on the current missions flown or managed by NASA Wallops Flight Facility on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. http://vsgc.odu.edu/spacecoast/ - This online course application is OPEN UNTIL OCTOBER 24.
11th AND 12th GRADE Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS) focuses on NASA’s human spaceflight missions and the Journey to the Moon and on to Mars. Students learn from NASA experts on how to design space missions! http://vsgc.odu.edu/VASTS/, applications are OPEN UNTIL OCTOBER 24.
Virginia Earth System Science Scholars (VESSS) focuses on the challenges the next generation of scientists and engineers to become part of the solution to the societal issues faced by the impacts of climate change. Engaging students in real-world investigations of the Earth and its systems using the latest research and data from NASA. http://vsgc.odu.edu/VESSS applications are OPEN UNTIL OCTOBER 24.
Election Page
Info and Application
The Election Page Program invites students to observe and experience the electoral process as it unfolds on Election Day. This is an awesome hands-on opportunity for students to not only learn about the process, but to also make a meaningful contribution to the process. There may also be additional opportunities for eligible Seniors to volunteer on days pre/post-Election Day. Albemarle County has 30 voting precincts across the county, and a Central Absentee Precinct (CAP). The next election is the General Election on Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Election Page Applications (for this election) will be accepted September 3, 2024 – October 15, 2024.
Students may submit an application electronically here.
I have also attached a copy of the application to print & return. Students can return their completed applications to the Albemarle County Elections Office via USPS: Elections Manager, Albemarle County Elections Office, PMB 160, 435 Merchant Walk Square, Suite 300, Charlottesville Virginia 22902. Students can also scan & email, fax, or drop off their completed application in-person: 1600 5th Street, Charlottesville Virginia 22902.
Job Description
Work at least a 5-hour shift on Tuesday November 5th at the assigned precinct 5HR Shift options include: 5am-10am, 10am-3pm, 3pm-8pm Participate in a virtual training session (Zoom) prior to 11/5/24. Training date TBA
- Arrive on time
- Wear comfortable casual attire
Participating students will receive an Election Page T-Shirt to wear on Election Day. The day will have moments of calm and waves of heavy foot-traffic. Students may need to be on their feet, moving around for extended periods of time. Please wear comfortable shoes.
As Election Pages, students operate in a non-partisan manner while on duty. Students may not wear any political party colors, insignias, or candidate paraphernalia on Election Day.
Assist Election Officials as needed, including equipment set-up and take down, assist voters and help maintain continuous operation during the day (i.e. help clean the precinct, assist in greeting voters, help relay messages between Election Officials who cannot leave their posts, keep an eye out for voters who may need assistance getting to the polling place, and offer “I Voted” stickers to voters as they exit the precinct.
Requirements
Take an oath stating you will serve as a non-partisan Election Page; and you will work to uphold the integrity of the electoral process as established by the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
- Able to lift ~40 lbs. (required if Election Pages are working during the set up (the 5am – 10 am shift) or take down (3 pm - 8pm shift)
- Able to listen and communicate effectively
- Have access to reliable transportation on Election Day
Please feel free to contact our office with any questions or concerns at (434) 972-4173. If you are unable to reach Erin Davis, Elections Manager, please speak with the Assistant Elections Manager, Jonathan Gil.
Blue Ridge Boost
Volunteer and paid opportunities in computer science, math, robotics, and chess with Blue Ridge Boost.
Blue Ridge Boost, a locally-owned education company located across the street from our school, specializing in computer science, math, robotics, and chess classes and camps is looking for students to volunteer and intern with them.
Please take a look at the opportunities below. Interested students should send a resume to Nora Evans nora@blueridgeboost.com.
Unpaid volunteer positions for free events open to the public:
- Charlottesville Kids' Chess Club, Thursdays, 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm, https://blueridgeboost.com/chess/
- Girl-Powered Fridays, some Fridays, 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm https://blueridgeboost.com/girl-powered-fridays/
Paid Internship positions - $15/hour for 1-3 hours per week:
- Mentor for our First Lego League team: Mondays and/or Wednesdays from 5 pm to 6:30 p.m. Must have FLL competition experience.
- Mentor for our Girl-Powered First Tech Challenge teams on Saturdays 5 to 6:30 p.m. Must have FTC competition experience and identify as a girl/woman.
- Mentor for our Aerial Drones Competition teams. 3:30 to 5 p.m. (all genders) and 5 to 6:30 p.m. (only students identifying as a girl/woman). Experience with drones is desirable. Competition experience is not necessary.
- Parents' Night Out on select Fridays, and Sundays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. https://blueridgeboost.com/parents-night-out/ Math Mastery, grades 1-2 and 3-4, on Wednesdays from 4 to 6 p.m.
Youth Nex Council
Are you looking to join motivated and multifaceted teens around the community? Do you want to take part in workshops to build your capacity as a leader and give input to initiatives that will benefit local youth? We want to hear from you!
Youth-Nex is recruiting teens in grades 9-12 for the upcoming academic year for its Youth Advisory Council (YAC). As a member of YAC, you will join a network of local teens to share your perspective on a variety of topics and provide input on programs and initiatives at UVA. You will also take part in workshops and activities designed to help you grow your leadership skills as well as essential interpersonal skills like communication, teamwork and problem solving. YAC members enjoy perks like swag bags/merchandise, access to UVA/Youth-Nex events and programs, gift cards, and free food!
Want to learn more? Click here. Ready to apply? Click here.
Youth Council Member Responsibilities
- Committing to serving one year
- Attending and actively participating in all scheduled meetings
- Making decisions and recommendations on Youth-Nex programs and initiatives
- Advocating on behalf of the student body at your school
Reach out to the program director, Sherry at snb6wc@virginia.edu with any questions.
