RVA KIDS: Youth Empowerment Program

My name is Lance Cooper (activist & youth program director) based in Richmond, Virginia. You may know me from the success of my water relief mission for Flint, others might be familiar with my dedication to empowering youth in the Richmond community.

After Covid-19 hit us we were forced to shutdown, now we’re seeing a rise in students who are eager to get involved in activities. Our youth empowerment program provides as many opportunities as we can for them to explore interests, participate in camps, and earn money.

We also keep a watchful eye out for youth who aren’t engaged. Connecting with them is a top priority. Students dealing with mental health issues often fall below the radar. Most need some one-on-one engagement with a mentor to help prepare them for more social activities.

RVA Youth Empowerment

Some public schools offer before and after school care for their students, with typical fees of $100-$500 or more a month ($1k-$5k or more for the school year), and that's per student. The RVACC Youth Empowerment Program has obtained sponsorship, and with your donations we can help elevate more kids in Richmond, Virginia.

Due to the recent pandemic we’ve noticed students are experiencing a collective trauma, and they would benefit tremendously from immediate and ongoing support through our program.

RVACC was founded in 2016 with one mission in mind, to strengthen the community, and provide under-served, underprivileged, deserving kids with resources and a chance to participate in valuable education opportunities. Many of todays youth never get to experience empowerment classes, it’s our goal to ensure that every child has this opportunity.

Your support will open doors for 50-100 students (age 5-18), and place them in an environment dedicated to helping them live successful, healthier and happier lives. RVACC Youth Empowerment offers homework assistance, small group tutoring in reading, math, teen council/leadership development; holiday events, summer camp access and organized instructional programs for physical activities such as dance, yoga, and martial arts; academic and arts programs such as science, crafts, and theater.

We provide developmental tasks – including understanding self and personal values, life skills, dealing with family stress, human growth and development, and issues related to social and emotional transitions from adolescence to adulthood.

Through our sponsors, community partnerships and our own financial assistance process, we can offer 50-100 students annual enrollment for only $160 per student. This fee will assist with food, bus passes for youth travel, team uniforms, camp access, seasonal events, & classroom supplies. Every dollar raised stays local and has a lasting impact on children in the Richmond community.

Help Us Empower Our Youth

We strive for peace and fulfillment of humankind's potential. Our goal is to provide a network of support that empowers the youth to be leaders and make a change, for a better world. RVACC will be fundraising for our youth program through the end of the year. Please help now if you can.

"It's all about raising our youth to be goal-oriented with high expectations."

Thank You,

Lance