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Educate. Empower. Elevate.
"Bridging OST Learning with College, Careers, and Lifelong Opportunities."
Educate. Empower. Elevate.
"Bridging OST Learning with College, Careers, and Lifelong Opportunities."
Empowering Future Leaders at Virginia University Preparatory
Our Mission
"Virginia University Preparatory is dedicated to bridging the gap between education and opportunity by providing out-of-school time (OST) programs that prepare students for college, careers, and lifelong success. Through STEM, liberal arts, and mentorship, we empower students with the skills, resources, and support they need to navigate their future—whether in higher education, skilled trades, or entrepreneurial ventures. Our goal is to build a strong community where every student has access to the tools needed to achieve their full potential."
Imagination Summer Program – Virginia Tech
In partnership with Virginia University Preparatory (UPrep)
Imagination invites students to explore the world of science, technology, and engineering—not by watching, but by doing. Through hands-on activities, participants engage in the engineering design process, building their own devices while discovering the many pathways within engineering.
Rising 7th and 8th graders are invited to apply. Preference is given to first-time applicants.
Through this partnership, Virginia University Preparatory (UPrep) will provide guidance and support to students throughout the application process.
Imagination offers three weeklong sessions on the Blacksburg campus of Virginia Tech, with daily programming from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Program Sessions
- Session 1: Aerospace Engineering
Students will build, fly, and take home their own drone.
Residential only. - Sessions 2 & 3: Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE)
Students will complete hands-on ECE projects such as building a video game console or digital camera, including instruction in soldering and circuitry.
Day and residential options available.
2026 Session Dates
- June 14 – June 20, 2026
Drone Build & Fly — Residential Only - June 22 – June 26, 2026
ECE Focus - June 29 – July 3, 2026
ECE Focus
Important Dates
- Applications Open: Now
- Application Deadline: March 29, 2026
- Decision Notifications: April 17, 2026
Upcoming Events
Join us for our annual Youth Leadership Conference on March 20th. This year's theme is 'Empowering the Next Generation'.
MIDDLE SCHOOL ALLIANCE COURSES
UPREP ENGINEERING
UPREP ENGINEERING
UPREP ENGINEERING
Engineering Program
Xtreme Engineering is a hands-on STEM and workforce-readiness program that introduces students to engineering career pathways through bicycle mechanics and go-kart engineering. Participants build foundational skills in tool safety, mechanical systems, braking, and electrical fundamentals while designing, building, and maintaining bicycles and go-karts. The program connects classroom learning to real-world applications through racing experiences and community rides, reinforcing teamwork, problem-solving, and responsibility. Xtreme Engineering empowers students with practical skills, confidence, and early exposure to engineering, motorsports, and skilled-trades careers while promoting healthy, active community engagement.
UPREP ATHLETICS
UPREP ENGINEERING
UPREP ENGINEERING
Athletics
SportsMax is a positive youth development program that provides Richmond students with opportunities to engage in organized athletics, including 5K and 10K races, community runs, and competitive events. The program incorporates fitness assessments like the Presidential Fitness Test (PFT) to help students track and improve their physical health. SportsMax emphasizes teamwork, discipline, and healthy living while helping students build confidence and leadership skills. Through the program, participants connect with mentors, peers, and the broader Southside running community, fostering long-term engagement in sports, wellness, and personal growth.
UPREP SPEECH & DEBATE
UPREP SPEECH & DEBATE
UPREP SPEECH & DEBATE
Prep Scholars: Speech, Debate & Legal Pathways
Prep Scholars is a college- and career-readiness program that uses speech, debate, oratory, and spelling bees as pathways to legal and advocacy careers. Students develop strong public speaking, vocabulary, persuasive writing, and critical thinking skills through structured debates, formal oratory, competitive spelling, and mock legal scenarios. The program provides early exposure to paralegal, pre-law, and civic leadership pathways while building confidence and professionalism. Prep Scholars empowers students—especially those from underrepresented communities—to find their voice and prepare for success in higher education and the legal profession.
UPREP PRE-MED
UPREP SPEECH & DEBATE
UPREP SPEECH & DEBATE
Prep Scholars: Speech, Debate & Legal Pathways
Prep Scholars is a college- and career-readiness program that uses speech, debate, oratory, and spelling bees as pathways to legal and advocacy careers. Students develop strong public speaking, vocabulary, persuasive writing, and critical thinking skills through structured debates, formal oratory, competitive spelling, and mock legal scenarios. The program provides early exposure to paralegal, pre-law, and civic leadership pathways while building confidence and professionalism. Prep Scholars empowers students—especially those from underrepresented communities—to find their voice and prepare for success in higher education and the legal profession.
HIGH SCHOOL ALLIANCE COURSES
UPREP ENGINEERING
UPREP ENGINEERING
UPREP ENGINEERING
Xtreme Engineering Program
Xtreme Engineering is a hands-on STEM and workforce-readiness program that introduces students to engineering career pathways through bicycle mechanics and go-kart engineering. Participants build foundational skills in tool safety, mechanical systems, braking, and electrical fundamentals while designing, building, and maintaining bicycles and go-karts. The program connects classroom learning to real-world applications through racing experiences and community rides, reinforcing teamwork, problem-solving, and responsibility. Xtreme Engineering empowers students with practical skills, confidence, and early exposure to engineering, motorsports, and skilled-trades careers while promoting healthy, active community engagement.
UPREP ATHLETICS
UPREP ENGINEERING
UPREP ENGINEERING
SportsMax: Youth Athletics & Community Engagement
SportsMax is a positive youth development program that provides Richmond students with opportunities to engage in organized athletics, including 5K and 10K races, community runs, and competitive events. The program incorporates fitness assessments like the Presidential Fitness Test (PFT) to help students track and improve their physical health. SportsMax emphasizes teamwork, discipline, and healthy living while helping students build confidence and leadership skills. Through the program, participants connect with mentors, peers, and the broader Southside running community, fostering long-term engagement in sports, wellness, and personal growth.
UPREP SPEECH & DEBATE
UPREP SPEECH & DEBATE
UPREP SPEECH & DEBATE
Prep Scholars: Speech, Debate & Legal Pathways
Prep Scholars is a college- and career-readiness program that uses speech, debate, oratory, and spelling bees as pathways to legal and advocacy careers. Students develop strong public speaking, vocabulary, persuasive writing, and critical thinking skills through structured debates, formal oratory, competitive spelling, and mock legal scenarios. The program provides early exposure to paralegal, pre-law, and civic leadership pathways while building confidence and professionalism. Prep Scholars empowers students—especially those from underrepresented communities—to find their voice and prepare for success in higher education and the legal profession.
UPREP PRE-MED
UPREP SPEECH & DEBATE
UPREP SPEECH & DEBATE
Prep Scholars: Speech, Debate & Legal Pathways
Prep Scholars is a college- and career-readiness program that uses speech, debate, oratory, and spelling bees as pathways to legal and advocacy careers. Students develop strong public speaking, vocabulary, persuasive writing, and critical thinking skills through structured debates, formal oratory, competitive spelling, and mock legal scenarios. The program provides early exposure to paralegal, pre-law, and civic leadership pathways while building confidence and professionalism. Prep Scholars empowers students—especially those from underrepresented communities—to find their voice and prepare for success in higher education and the legal profession.
CITY OF RICHMOND POSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Welcome to Virginia University Preparatory Youth Organization and Center
Our organization is committed to providing a safe and supportive space for young people in our community. We offer a range of programs and services designed to help young people develop their skills, build confidence, and form meaningful connections with others. Our dedicated staff and volunteers work tirelessly to create a positive impact in the lives of young people by fostering a sense of belonging, respect, and empowerment.
Donate Today
Your donation can help us continue to provide valuable programs and services to young people in our community. Every dollar counts! With your support, we can make a difference in the lives of young people and help them achieve their full potential.
