Teen Summit RVA, Henrico Schools programs recognized by VACo

Henrico County, in collaboration with Chesterfield County and the city of Richmond, and Henrico County Public Schools won a combined four Achievement Awards from the Virginia Association of Counties for innovative programs in 2024.

Henrico, Chesterfield and Richmond were recognized for Teen Summit RVA, an annual event organized by and for youth to promote leadership development and to help amplify their voices on gun violence, mental health and other issues. The summit, held in March 2023 and again this past February, attracted a diverse group of about 600 teenagers from the region to the Greater Richmond Convention Center.

HCPS earned three Achievement Awards, including for Becoming Kings, a program designed to support Black male students and expose them to jobs and opportunities in higher education that they might not otherwise consider for their futures.

HCPS also was recognized for the Generative A.I. Initiative: Preparing for a New Digital Age. The effort aims to enhance teaching and learning while preparing students for a future that’s driven by artificial intelligence.

In addition, HCPS received an award for Hyper Local Student Led Service Learning, a project based at Douglas Freeman High School. The school’s Freeman Project is a student-led organization created to improve the school’s learning environment. Students are encouraged to use service learning to become leaders in their school and channel their passions into projects that benefit the community.

“This year’s VACo Achievement Awards underscore the many ways that Henrico County and Henrico County Public Schools are laser-focused on supporting our youth and helping them reach their full potential,” County Manager John A. Vithoulkas said. “We applaud the creativity and out-of-the-box thinking behind these and other initiatives that continue to make our county a great place to live, work, play and visit.”

The awards competition recognized 45 programs from 145 entries submitted by member counties statewide.