Educational Success

Educational attainment is a key predictor for future success. We invest in strategies proven to have the most influence on students' long-term educational advancement and career preparation including early childhood education and school readiness, supportive school environments, out-of-school enrichment and positive behavioral developments. For students who do not pursue a traditional path to college, we recognize a need for innovative workforce programs that cultivate job and life skills and provide young people access to career opportunities.

Our Goals:

• Children enter school ready to learn and receive effective academic and social support throughout their educational experience.
• Youth are nurtured to become skilled, self-sufficient and contributing members of the community.

YMCA Preschool

Recent Grants

Summer 2022

Total Amount Awarded: $286,561

The Animal Welfare League of the Northern Neck – to support Humane education in the elementary schools and feeding hungry pets

Boys & Girls Club of the Northern Neck – to support BGCNN programs that support the educational success of teens in Lancaster and Northumberland County.

Colonial Seaport Foundation – to support vessel and crew program training and instruction services through Tall Ships America and insurance for sailing vessel Luna so students and visitors may visit in compliance with Coast Guard regulations.

Great Aspirations Scholarship Program (GRASP) – to support the GRASP financial aid advising program at Lancaster and Northumberland high schools.

Jacob's Ladder – to support nine River Counties middle school children to attend Jacob's Ladder summer residential enrichment camp with continued year-round advocacy through middle school extending to high school for college and career preparation.

Lancaster Community Library – to support the Summer 2022 Reading Program Reading Beyond the Beaten Path including activities and special programs for all members of our community.

Lancaster County Virginia Education Foundation – to support the construction of an inclusive playground at the newly established Lancaster Early Childhood Education Center in Kilmarnock.

Middlesex County Public Library – to support children's literacy and enthusiasm for reading over the summer months by providing engaging and age-appropriate educational opportunities.

Rappahannock Community College Educational Foundation – to support a High School Navigator at Northumberland High School, providing college and career guidance and promoting secondary school completion, post-secondary attainment, and success in post-secondary education.

Urbanna Oyster Festival – to support educational opportunities for students and the general public to learn about the importance of maintaining a healthy Chesapeake Bay.

YMCA of the Virginia Peninsulas – to support youth development by nurturing the potential of children through a regional, year-round Preschool, School Age and Summer Day Camp Program focusing on enrichment childcare and academic vitality for children, ages 8-weeks through 12 years old.