In 2014, NextUp began offering free, high-quality afterschool programs through the Middle School Alliance 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 of Metro Richmond, the YMCA of Greater Richmond, and Higher Achievement Richmond.
NextUp also partners with nearly 100 program providers to embed their programs in schools, and Richmond Public Schools for nutrition, security, and transportation home.
The NextUp Middle School Alliance embeds local youth programs directly into seven RPS Middle Schools:
This year, we’re thrilled to add afterschool programs in Dogwood Middle School through a new partnership with Higher Achievement Richmond. Expanded programming at Dogwood marks a monumental chapter to close gaps in Middle School programming across the city—a goal we’ve been working towards since our founding in 2013.
Middle School Alliance afterschool programs come at no cost to families.
Youth can attend multiple programs a week with a focus in:
Middle school represents a pivotal stage in a young person’s growth. Core friendships and identity exploration heighten as they navigate big emotions and learn to self-regulate.
Having safe spaces to explore hobbies and even potential career paths while building new skills, friendships, and relationships with trusted adults is crucial. Quality afterschool programs can also help youth:
With youth spending 80% of their time outside of school, a few hours of extracurricular activities are proven to help put youth on a path to success.
The NextUp Middle School Alliance youth development agencies oversee the daily operations of nearly 100 individual afterschool programs that NextUp embeds in Richmond Public Middle Schools. Partnering youth development agencies:
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond MSA Sites and Leadership
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond coordinate afterschool programs at:
Tamika Brown
VP of Programs
Ebony Patterson
MLK, Jr. Club Director
Jaylin Graham
Lucille Brown Club Director
Alex Yugga
River City Club Director
The YMCA of Greater Richmond coordinates afterschool programs at:
Sharese Banks
Regional Director of Middle School OST Programs
Crystal Vick
Albert Hill Center Director
Acacia “AK” Boyd
Henderson Center Director
Kamilah Hiwott
Boushall Center Director
Higher Achievement MSA Site and Leadership
Higher Achievement Richmond coordinates afterschool programs at Dogwood Middle School.
Ronee Davis
Director of Program Operations
Felecia Nelson
Dogwood Learning Director
Parents and caregivers can register for Middle School Alliance programs through NextUp’s Parent Portal.
Students will choose programs at school through their youth development agency.
NextUp partners with the City of Richmond to support afterschool and summer programs across the city. The City’s Positive Youth Development initiative increases program capacity, allowing Richmond youth ages 11 – 19 to attend at no cost.
Programs and camps are added to the NextUp Youth Program Locator throughout the year. Contact programs directly to get started!
The Middle School Alliance is a collective impact approach to strengthen afterschool programming, resources, and services for Richmond youth and families. We work closely with funding partners like the City of Richmond, individual donors, foundations, and corporate sponsors to continue providing access to keep afterschool programs free for Richmond youth.
Learn more about how to support afterschool programs in Richmond.
NextUp RVA is a nonprofit organization helping youth discover their talents and build positive relationships. It does this by managing a strong system of accessible out-of-school time programs delivered in schools and across the city. When youth participate in quality out-of-school time programs, they learn new skills, find out what they are good at, gain confidence and are engaged learners.
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