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Education — Community — Western Henrico — Near West End — Tuckahoe/Near West End — University of Richmond — Middle School Campus Visit Project — State Council of Higher Education for Virginia — Virginia Department of Education — Commonwealth Savers

UR, 9 other state colleges and universities receive funding for middle school campus visits

,   and  Citizen Staff Reports
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Ten Virginia colleges and universities will receive a funding boost to support the Middle School Campus Visit Project, a Virginia initiative aimed at introducing low-income middle school students to higher education opportunities. The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Education and Commonwealth Savers (formerly Virginia529), awarded a total of $126,000 to the institutions, including the University of Richmond and Brightpoint Community College locally.

The funding will enable the colleges and universities to host tailored campus visits for approximately 4,225 middle school students from low-income communities during the 2024-25 academic year. The visits aim to foster early awareness of postsecondary options and encourage long-term academic success.

“The Middle School Campus Visit Project introduces young students to the possibilities of higher education, sparking their interest in postsecondary pathways early in their academic journey,” said Scott Fleming, SCHEV director. "By creating age-appropriate and engaging activities, colleges and universities are inspiring students to see themselves as future college students and begin to believe in the high expectations we have for them as the rising generation."

The program encourages colleges and universities to develop engaging activities for sixth- to eighth-graders, including lab activities, scavenger hunts, and student-athlete panels. Unlike traditional college visits for high-schoolers, these visits cater to middle schoolers' interests. A highlight for many students is the experience of dining in the college's dining hall.

Each institution will match the grant, resulting in a total investment of more than $250,000 for the program. The awardees and grant amounts are as follows:

• Brightpoint Community College: $10,000

• George Mason University: $15,000

• Hollins University: $11,000

• James Madison University: $15,000

• Longwood University: $12,000

• Patrick & Henry Community College: $15,000

• University of Richmond: $12,000

• Virginia Peninsula Community College: $10,000

• Virginia Tech: $13,000

• William & Mary: $14,000

Now in its third year, the Middle School Campus Visit Project is part of SCHEV’s Level Up initiative, which aims to increase postsecondary readiness, enrollment, and completion for all students in Virginia.