Practicing Mindfulness In- and Outside of the Classroom with L.O.C.A.L. Adventures
Jaden is a bright, vivacious teenager who spent this past summer in youth programs like L.O.C.A.L. Adventures, a Richmond-based organization that empowers young people to explore their inner and outer landscape through mindfulness, the arts, and outdoor adventures. Paddleboarding on the James River was a first for Jaden and many of his peers, and it quickly became a favorite new outlet to unwind. “Once you get in that water, […]
Richmond’s 2025 Out‑of‑School Time (OST) Landscape Summary
Following the initial 2024 OST Landscape Study, NextUp partnered with The Learning Agenda to conduct a deeper analysis of program capacity across Richmond’s out-of-school time (OST) expanded learning system. This second study reflects feedback and data from 150+ youth-serving organizations operating nearly 500 afterschool and summer programs across the City of Richmond. Key Takeaways 1. […]
Richmond’s 2024 Out‑of‑School Time (OST) Landscape Summary
In 2024, Richmond nonprofit NextUp and research partner Hunleys for Humankind conducted a comprehensive OST landscape survey. Over 400 local providers were contacted; 98 responded, along with feedback from 30 providers, 10 parents, and 10 youth (aged 14–19). This report offers a rich snapshot of out‑of‑school time opportunities, program gaps, and community needs across Richmond. Study Objectives […]
How Youth Programs Can Use Press Releases to Connect with Local Media
Out-of-school time programs are making a huge difference in young people’s lives, and our community needs to hear about them. Currently, four in five Richmond youth are missing out on afterschool and summer programs. Press releases are an affordable, efficient way to share your program’s achievements, events, and milestones with local media, building visibility and […]
School Year 2025-26 Positive Youth Development-Supported Programs
NextUp and the city of Richmond have allocated $588,093 in Positive Youth Development (PYD) funding to support nearly 40 organizations managing afterschool and community-based programs for local students ages 11-19 during the 2025-2026 school year. Richmond’s Positive Youth Development initiative was created in 2021 when City Council unanimously voted to declare gun violence a public […]
Youth Voice in Action: Program Survey Results FY2025
Youth Voice in Action: Program Survey Results FY2025 NextUp not only increases access to afterschool and summer programs, but we also use assessment tools to monitor continuous program quality improvement, safety, and more. When we talk about the quality and safety of programs, it reaches far beyond compliance and keeping youth occupied. We want to […]
The Middle School Alliance Expands to Seven RPS Middle Schools
The Middle School Alliance Expands to Seven RPS Middle Schools In 2014, NextUp began offering free, high-quality afterschool programs in Henderson Middle School, serving 130 youth. Thanks to the generosity of our community, the Middle School Alliance (MSA) has evolved into a collective partnership between NextUp, and youth development agencies, the Boys & Girls Clubs […]
KR Scholars’ HBCU Bridge Propels Richmond Teens Toward College
Hassan, a recent Richmond Public High School graduate, first heard about the opportunity to attend a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) when KR Scholars came to speak at his school this year. As a 17-year-old unsure about college, he was eager to learn about the opportunity to pursue a career as a business owner […]
Supporting RVA Youth Programs through Positive Youth Development
Richmond youth ages 11–19 can have greater access to free afterschool and summer programs through the Positive Youth Development (PYD) initiative. Managed by nonprofit intermediary NextUp on behalf of the City of Richmond, PYD helps connect youth to safe, engaging, and enriching experiences — all while supporting gun violence prevention efforts. What is the Positive […]
NextUp Wraps First Professional Development Cohort
Quality out-of-school time (OST) programs help students boost grades, build positive relationships, and grow essential life skills. NextUp supports more than 140 afterschool and summer programs by offering free professional development and training opportunities for OST program providers. Through training, coaching, and a cohort model focused on continuous improvement, NextUp equips providers to strengthen their […]
