Virtual Learning Project to connect Richmond students to resources

The City of Richmond Office of Community Wealth Building (OCWB) Ambassadors have partnered with Richmond Public Schools and the Virginia Health Department to launch the Virtual Learning Project (VLP) in Richmond Redevelopment & Housing Authority (RRHA) communities. 

The Virtual Learning Project is a community engagement response to ensure RPS students and families have what they need for a productive day of learning.

 

Each school day, a “Community Connector” will be responsible for safely checking in with each household and student to ensure they are prepared to learn. This will include offering support to parents, engaging students, and helping students gain access to the resources RPS provides every day, like online programming, meal distribution, and tutoring sessions.

 

“Considering the expansive network of support the city, school district and nonprofit community offer, sometimes the most valuable resource for families is a trusted navigator,” said Mayor Stoney. “This program will employ neighbors to point families in the right direction and keep children engaged.”

 

Throughout the pandemic, the Community Ambassadors have made a concerted effort to connect underserved families to resources the city offers. Since the beginning of the school year, the Community Ambassadors have distributed approximately 1,000 sets of desks and chairs to students who require a dedicated workspace to focus on schoolwork. Those desk and chair sets benefitted families from all six RRHA communities, Southwood Apartments, Old Midlothian Mobile Home Community, OCWB participants citywide, and childcare programs at Mt. Olivet Church and Blacktop Kings and Queens.

 

VLP was designed to complement and empower RPS’ fall 2020 Virtual Reopening Plan, and Community Connectors will focus efforts in the six RRHA communities.

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