Virginia Union Academy will offer STEM-related programs to youth in the Richmond area
[RICHMOND, VA – February 16, 2022] – Virginia Union University’s Board of Trustees, during its February meeting, approved the reestablishment of Virginia Union Academy which was opened from 1899 - 1946. The relaunched Academy will offer STEM-related programs focused on technology and innovation to youth in the Richmond area.
“Virginia Union University has always prioritized our community partnerships that offer youth the opportunity to receive a quality education,” said Dr. Hakim J. Lucas, President and CEO of Virginia Union University. “The academy is more important now than ever before. There is a need for access to STEM-focused programs for youth in our city and Virginia Union is not only able to meet that need, but also allow our youth to tap into the gifts that they have been given.”
Virginia Union University has partnered with organizations in the Richmond area to create a pipeline for premier educational experiences, especially for youth who are still in grade school. VUU has partnered with organizations such as Richmond Public Schools to create K-12 and after-school programs, provided scholarships to rising ninth graders and committed to a 20-year partnership with Gilpin Court and the City of Richmond to provide mentorship and educational training to residents.
“Virginia Union is proud to meet the needs that are not currently being met for our surrounding community,” said Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson, Chairman of the VUU Board of Trustees. “By re-establishing this academy, we can provide meaningful support to our community and fulfill our core values of innovation and excellence. Now is the time to begin preparing the next generation of leaders.”
VUU, in its commitment to establishing meaningful partnerships, looks forward to working with the Youngkin Administration and the Virginia General Assembly to bridge the educational gaps of neighboring communities of young people in the Richmond area.