News from the Homefront:
Post High Workshops for Students
Beginning 10 & 11 March, I will be offering a series of talks on options for students at WAHS for when they graduate. I will offer these on an A day and a B Day each week. There will be a limit of 30 kids each session. These are designed for juniors who want to understand the following things:
UVA Level Global Health Case Competition:
The College Level 2026 Global Health Case Competition this Saturday, February 21. This is the competition that the high school program is based on. The GHCC Preliminary Program is live and includes the updated schedule. Please review the 2026 GHCC case, "Addressing Pesticide Exposure on the Lake Traverse Reservation: A Case Study" if interested. This event is open to the public and welcomes faculty and students from ACPS. Please see the map of Newcomb Hall 3rd floor if needed. This is our biggest event yet with 300 registered participants; 56 teams of 5-6 students will present in 7 concurrent streams that will accommodate at least 8 presentations. Most visitors opt to attend during the final presentations (scheduled for 3PM.) If you are participating in the WAHS GHCC and want to see what it looks like at the college level (or if you are not signed up and are curious) go check it out!
Student Representative to the School Board Applications
Applications for our Student School Board Representatives are now open, and I’d love your help encouraging strong student leaders to apply. Applications are open on SchooLinks under Programs for all current sophomores and juniors: Application Link
We’re looking for students who represent peers thoughtfully, are reliable with meeting attendance and follow-through, and want to help shape decisions that impact students across ACPS.
Application details
Selection process (what students should know)
Beginning 10 & 11 March, I will be offering a series of talks on options for students at WAHS for when they graduate. I will offer these on an A day and a B Day each week. There will be a limit of 30 kids each session. These are designed for juniors who want to understand the following things:
- What are my options after high school?
- How does college differ from high school?
- How do I pay for college and other programs after high school?
- What kinds of things can I study in which colleges?
UVA Level Global Health Case Competition:
The College Level 2026 Global Health Case Competition this Saturday, February 21. This is the competition that the high school program is based on. The GHCC Preliminary Program is live and includes the updated schedule. Please review the 2026 GHCC case, "Addressing Pesticide Exposure on the Lake Traverse Reservation: A Case Study" if interested. This event is open to the public and welcomes faculty and students from ACPS. Please see the map of Newcomb Hall 3rd floor if needed. This is our biggest event yet with 300 registered participants; 56 teams of 5-6 students will present in 7 concurrent streams that will accommodate at least 8 presentations. Most visitors opt to attend during the final presentations (scheduled for 3PM.) If you are participating in the WAHS GHCC and want to see what it looks like at the college level (or if you are not signed up and are curious) go check it out!
Student Representative to the School Board Applications
Applications for our Student School Board Representatives are now open, and I’d love your help encouraging strong student leaders to apply. Applications are open on SchooLinks under Programs for all current sophomores and juniors: Application Link
We’re looking for students who represent peers thoughtfully, are reliable with meeting attendance and follow-through, and want to help shape decisions that impact students across ACPS.
Application details
- Application opens: Monday, February 16
- Application deadline: Friday, March 20
- Answer limit: Responses are capped at 500 words per question.
Selection process (what students should know)
- Students submit their application by Friday, March 20.
- Applications will be sent to principals, who will select three candidates per high school by April 17.
- Interviews: Two School Board members will visit each high school to interview the three candidates during the week of May 4–8. Students will receive the interview questions ahead of time.
- Final selections for the 2026–27 representatives will be made in closed session on May 14, and representatives will be announced at the May 28 School Board meeting.
Charlottesville Chess Classic!
Senior Day at PVCC
Senior Day at PVCC will be on 10 March. Seniors need a permission slip to attend. Find them in Ms. Rittenhouse's office, B111 (in the cafeteria). Want more info? Ask Ms. Rittenhouse.
- Players of all levels in good academic standing are warmly invited to the Fourth Annual Charlottesville Chess Classic Tournament for grades 7-12! The tournament is FREE, but registration at this link is required.
- Where: Renaissance School, 418 E Jefferson St, Charlottesville 22902
- When: Saturday March 14, 2026, Doors at 9:30am, Competition at 10:00am
- What: Swiss format non-elimination 5-round chess tournament
- Who: Players of all levels in 7-12th grade in the greater Charlottesville area in good academic standing. New this year: 7th & 8th graders welcome!
- Cost: FREE!
Senior Day at PVCC
Senior Day at PVCC will be on 10 March. Seniors need a permission slip to attend. Find them in Ms. Rittenhouse's office, B111 (in the cafeteria). Want more info? Ask Ms. Rittenhouse.
Job Fair
Each of the comprehensive high schools will host a job fair in March. They will have opportunities for students for summer work, post high employment, and will also include training programs. Plan to come to the cafeteria to find out more. Want more info? Ask Ms. Rittenhouse.
Each of the comprehensive high schools will host a job fair in March. They will have opportunities for students for summer work, post high employment, and will also include training programs. Plan to come to the cafeteria to find out more. Want more info? Ask Ms. Rittenhouse.
Senior Trip
Book Drive
Help us collect books for Bright Beginnings Pre-School for WAHS With a Cause!
Help us collect books for Bright Beginnings Pre-School for WAHS With a Cause!
The TYDE Hackathon Is Coming!
Thriving Youth in the Digital Age (TYDE) hosts a Hackathon on 21 March. You must apply to attend. Learn to make pitches, network with folks, and better people's mental health (including yours!). Participants receive a $50 prize for participating. Breakfast, lunch and snacks are included as well. Winners take home cash prizes!
Juntos Podemos UVA Engineering
The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) at the University of Virginia is excited to invite high school students to apply to Juntos Podemos, our free, one-day engineering visitation program taking place on Sunday, April 19th, 2026, on the University of Virginia Grounds in Charlottesville.
Juntos Podemos provides students with an inside look at engineering and college life at UVA through informative speakers, a hands-on engineering design activity, tours, and opportunities to connect with current engineering students. The program is open to students with all levels of experience, but it is especially designed for students who may be exploring engineering for the first time or are interested in pursuing a STEM-related field in college.
To apply, students must complete the Juntos Podemos 2026 Application, which can be found here. Students in the targeted grade levels who demonstrate interest in engineering through their short-answer responses will receive priority consideration.
Attached to this email, you will find an information packet with additional details about the event, as well as a flyer that may be shared for easy distribution. The application deadline is Sunday, March 15th, 2026.
At WAHS We're ALWAYS Better Together!
Pleas join us on 13 March from 4:30-6:30 as we enjoy our fantastic community! There will be music, food, games and more! Clubs: You can get 2nd Semester service credit for helping out! Just fill out our form!
Thriving Youth in the Digital Age (TYDE) hosts a Hackathon on 21 March. You must apply to attend. Learn to make pitches, network with folks, and better people's mental health (including yours!). Participants receive a $50 prize for participating. Breakfast, lunch and snacks are included as well. Winners take home cash prizes!
Juntos Podemos UVA Engineering
The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) at the University of Virginia is excited to invite high school students to apply to Juntos Podemos, our free, one-day engineering visitation program taking place on Sunday, April 19th, 2026, on the University of Virginia Grounds in Charlottesville.
Juntos Podemos provides students with an inside look at engineering and college life at UVA through informative speakers, a hands-on engineering design activity, tours, and opportunities to connect with current engineering students. The program is open to students with all levels of experience, but it is especially designed for students who may be exploring engineering for the first time or are interested in pursuing a STEM-related field in college.
To apply, students must complete the Juntos Podemos 2026 Application, which can be found here. Students in the targeted grade levels who demonstrate interest in engineering through their short-answer responses will receive priority consideration.
Attached to this email, you will find an information packet with additional details about the event, as well as a flyer that may be shared for easy distribution. The application deadline is Sunday, March 15th, 2026.
At WAHS We're ALWAYS Better Together!
Pleas join us on 13 March from 4:30-6:30 as we enjoy our fantastic community! There will be music, food, games and more! Clubs: You can get 2nd Semester service credit for helping out! Just fill out our form!
|
|
Peer Tutoring Needs You!
Yes, YOU! Every You, in fact! Peer Tutoring is an excellent way to give back to your community here at WAHS. And there is no requirement that you be a straight A student in all Honors and AP Classes. Tutoring is for everyone!
Things prospective tutors should know about our program
Yes, YOU! Every You, in fact! Peer Tutoring is an excellent way to give back to your community here at WAHS. And there is no requirement that you be a straight A student in all Honors and AP Classes. Tutoring is for everyone!
Things prospective tutors should know about our program
- There is no application and no criteria for enrolling in our class or signing up to be a volunteer peer tutor beyond a desire to help others.
- Training is provided. Volunteers receive brief in-person training and a handbook, and students enrolled in the peer tutoring class receive intensive training throughout the school year (and create the next edition of the handbook each year).
- Tutors will have some time most periods to work on their own schoolwork, but peer tutoring is not a study hall. There are assignments, there are duties, there is training, and there is of course tutoring!
- Peer Tutoring is a sequential elective. Students can earn up to three high school credits for taking the peer tutoring class -- one elective credit per year.
- Most tutors say that there are two things they love about tutoring: a) the reward of helping another student get past a rough patch in their academic journey, and b) the benefit they get themselves from the review of subjects and classes they have taken or are taking. In addition, enrolled peer tutors love the camaraderie in their class; it's a community that grows together and supports each other.
Tomorrow is a(n) A day
Upcoming Events:
Upcoming Events:
- 5 March – Conferences
- 13 March – End of 3rd Quarter
- 13 March – Better Together!
- 19 March – Snow Make Up Day
- 20 March – Teacher Work Day, No School for Students
- 24 March – In School SAT Day
- 27 March – Arts Fest in the West
- 30 March – WAHS with a Cause
- 6-10 April – Spring Break
- 20 April – Model Congress
- 23 April – Post High Planning Night
- 23-25 April – High School Musical
- 1 May – PVCC Final
- 2 May – Prom
- 4 May – AP Testing Begins
- 12 May – Last Day of Classes for Seniors
- 22 May – Graduation
- 25 May – Memorial Day
- 29 May – Last Day of School (1/2 Day)
Use Your Brain for Fun (&$)!
Photo by Photo by SATUVISION Digital Agency on Unsplash
Humanities & Social SciencesThe DNA Day Essay contest is open and taking submissions. It is open to students 9-12 and closes on 4 March
Are you a policy fan? The American Foreign Service National Essay Contest is taking entries. This year's topic is soft power. Submit by 1 March The Carl Sandburg Poetry Contest is taking submissions between now and early March. This year's theme is unity. Delete Cyberbulllying is an essay contest with a $1,000 prize. Submit your proposal to end it by 28 February The Ántonia Scholarship awards a $1,000 stipend to high school seniors who plan to pursue a degree in English. Submit by 28 February Visual and Performing ArtsWorld of 8 Billion invites you to explore one of their topics in a video. Submit your work by 4 March
Project Yellow Light invites you to create a billboard (1 March), video or radio PSA about distracted driving. It's worth up to $8,000. Get involved with the Directing Change Film Contest. It's open to people ages 12-25 and has multiple categories. Submit your entry by 1 March #USvsHate invites students to create a campaign against hate speech. Submit your work to them by 27 February Junior Duck Stamp invites you to submit a drawing to be featured on a stamp. Submit yours by 1 March |
Photo by ThisisEngineering on Unsplash
STEMAre you a woman in Ag? There are a number of scholarships for you if you plan a career in Agribusiness! Check out American Agri-Woman today!
Action for Nature is an award for a young person who is involved in environmental action. Submit your application by 28 February Get involved with the math modeling challenge with MathWorks! Register for the competition by 20 February Genes in Space invites students in grades 7-12 to explore a topic of biology. Individual or partners. The Virginia Junior Academy of Science is taking submissions for its conference in May. Get your paper in now! 
Photo by PITTI EDU on Unsplash
Skilled TradesPlanning a career in cosmetology? Great Clips has $5,000 for you! Apply now!
Goya Foods wants to give those planning to go into the culinary field $5,000 towards their education. Apply by 3 March Want to go into welding? The American Welding Society can help! They have multiple scholarship options. SEMA offers scholarship money to pay off student loans to those who are pursuing a career in Skilled Trades. Apply by 3 April Planning on going into auto-body or collision repair? CREF has a scholarship for you! Apply by 6 March |
Scholarships for Seniors
The Virginia EL Supervisors’ Association (VESA) is pleased to offer one-time scholarships to English Learners who plan to continue their education at a college, university, community college, or workforce training program. Only complete applications will be reviewed. The deadline for submitting applications is April 24, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. EST.
Scholarship applicants must meet the following criteria:
· Enrollment in an ESL program for at least one year in grades 6–12 in a Virginia public school
· Enrollment in 12th grade at the time of application
· Demonstrated financial need
· Strong, student-written essays
Application Deadline: April 24, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. EST
More Information: http://www.vavesa.org/scholarships
For questions, please contact Samuel Klein at [email protected] or 703-228-6095.
Chihamba African American Heritage Scholarship
The African American Heritage Scholarship supports graduating seniors of African descent from Charlottesville, Albemarle County, and the surrounding metropolitan area who are pursuing postsecondary education. Scholarships are available for students attending trade schools, community colleges, colleges or universities, and HBCUs.
Eligibility requirements include:
• Graduation from a public high school in the region
• Acceptance to a fall 2026 in-person program
• A minimum GPA of 2.5
Students must complete the full application and submit:
• A copy of their 2026 acceptance letter
• A minimum 400-word essay responding to:
– What they hope to learn and experience at their chosen school
– How their education will prepare them for a career or trade
– How their success will benefit or impact the African American community
Important dates:
• Application deadline: March 16, 2026
• Recipient notification: No later than April 6, 2026
• Minimum scholarship award: $500
Scholarship recipients will be honored during the 35th African American Cultural Arts Festival on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Booker T. Washington Park in Charlottesville.
Completed applications should be emailed to [email protected] with the subject line:
“Chihamba African American Heritage Scholarship 2026”
If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact Page West Hill at (434) 826-9259 or [email protected].
100 Black Men of Central Virginia
Even though this scholarship may seem like it is only for Black Men, it is open to all people of color. Generally speaking, if you have a 3.0 or higher and you fill out the application in its entirety, you will most likely win $1,000. Can't beat that!!! Due March 30.
The Allen and Allen Scholarships
are for students who have overcome challenges in high school. Financial need is also a factor.
The Application Process:
Complete the application form and submit it with a copy of your high school transcripts that reflect academic improvement and high achievement before the application deadline. In addition to these documents, applicants must submit two reference letters, one reference letter must be supplied by a teacher or school counselor, and a personal statement describing your biggest personal challenge and how you overcame it.
Application Timeline:
Please choose the option that is most convenient for you.
The 2026 VSCA Scholarship is now open for essay submissions! This award is designed to support graduating seniors who write an essay about a school counselor in Virginia who has influenced their life at any time during their academic career. Application attached. Application is due by 28 March
The Widow Son's Lodge #60 Scholarship is now available and attached to this email (the 2025 application is identical to the 2026 app). If you would like a paper copy, please see Ms. Poole in Counseling.
Seniors, with financial need can submit their completed applications to the Guidance Office before March 31st, along with the following required materials:
Alternatively, students may choose to:
1741 County Line Lane
Ruckersville, VA 22968
AP Boxley McDonald’s Family Restaurants have invited Charlottesville-area high schools to participate in the AP Boxley McDonald’s: Student & Teacher Achievement Award. Established in honor of McDonald’s founder Ray A. Kroc’s belief that investing in young people and the educators who guide them builds stronger communities, this program spotlights outstanding high school seniors and the teachers who’ve made a difference in their lives.
Why the award was created?
McDonald’s believes that business success should go hand-in-hand with community support. AP Boxley McDonald, and its local franchisees believe in these same truths and have formalized that commitment by launching this award. The award is meant to honor the following:
Who’s Eligible & How to Apply?
Any high school senior planning to enroll in an accredited college, university, or technical school may apply. To complete your application, you’ll need to submit:
Scholarship applicants must meet the following criteria:
· Enrollment in an ESL program for at least one year in grades 6–12 in a Virginia public school
· Enrollment in 12th grade at the time of application
· Demonstrated financial need
· Strong, student-written essays
Application Deadline: April 24, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. EST
More Information: http://www.vavesa.org/scholarships
For questions, please contact Samuel Klein at [email protected] or 703-228-6095.
Chihamba African American Heritage Scholarship
The African American Heritage Scholarship supports graduating seniors of African descent from Charlottesville, Albemarle County, and the surrounding metropolitan area who are pursuing postsecondary education. Scholarships are available for students attending trade schools, community colleges, colleges or universities, and HBCUs.
Eligibility requirements include:
• Graduation from a public high school in the region
• Acceptance to a fall 2026 in-person program
• A minimum GPA of 2.5
Students must complete the full application and submit:
• A copy of their 2026 acceptance letter
• A minimum 400-word essay responding to:
– What they hope to learn and experience at their chosen school
– How their education will prepare them for a career or trade
– How their success will benefit or impact the African American community
Important dates:
• Application deadline: March 16, 2026
• Recipient notification: No later than April 6, 2026
• Minimum scholarship award: $500
Scholarship recipients will be honored during the 35th African American Cultural Arts Festival on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Booker T. Washington Park in Charlottesville.
Completed applications should be emailed to [email protected] with the subject line:
“Chihamba African American Heritage Scholarship 2026”
If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact Page West Hill at (434) 826-9259 or [email protected].
100 Black Men of Central Virginia
Even though this scholarship may seem like it is only for Black Men, it is open to all people of color. Generally speaking, if you have a 3.0 or higher and you fill out the application in its entirety, you will most likely win $1,000. Can't beat that!!! Due March 30.
The Allen and Allen Scholarships
are for students who have overcome challenges in high school. Financial need is also a factor.
The Application Process:
Complete the application form and submit it with a copy of your high school transcripts that reflect academic improvement and high achievement before the application deadline. In addition to these documents, applicants must submit two reference letters, one reference letter must be supplied by a teacher or school counselor, and a personal statement describing your biggest personal challenge and how you overcame it.
Application Timeline:
- Application opens: December 5, 2025
- Deadline to submit applications: March 6, 2026
- Recipients notified: April 10, 2026
- Awards : $2,000
- The applicant must be a senior in a Virginia high school whose plans include advanced education through college, nursing, business, trade, technical training, or similar programs. Future plans are not required to be in Virginia.
- All sections of the application must be completed in full, with all materials submitted together; incomplete applications will not be eligible for consideration.
Please choose the option that is most convenient for you.
- Filling out the online application at this website
- Emailing your completed application and supporting documents to scholarship@allenandallen.com
The 2026 VSCA Scholarship is now open for essay submissions! This award is designed to support graduating seniors who write an essay about a school counselor in Virginia who has influenced their life at any time during their academic career. Application attached. Application is due by 28 March
The Widow Son's Lodge #60 Scholarship is now available and attached to this email (the 2025 application is identical to the 2026 app). If you would like a paper copy, please see Ms. Poole in Counseling.
Seniors, with financial need can submit their completed applications to the Guidance Office before March 31st, along with the following required materials:
- An up-to-date transcript
- A copy of their college acceptance letter
- A brief description of why they chose their college and whether they plan to return to Charlottesville after their studies
Alternatively, students may choose to:
- Email their application and materials to [email protected], or
- Mail them to the following address, ensuring they are received by March 31st.:
1741 County Line Lane
Ruckersville, VA 22968
AP Boxley McDonald’s Family Restaurants have invited Charlottesville-area high schools to participate in the AP Boxley McDonald’s: Student & Teacher Achievement Award. Established in honor of McDonald’s founder Ray A. Kroc’s belief that investing in young people and the educators who guide them builds stronger communities, this program spotlights outstanding high school seniors and the teachers who’ve made a difference in their lives.
Why the award was created?
McDonald’s believes that business success should go hand-in-hand with community support. AP Boxley McDonald, and its local franchisees believe in these same truths and have formalized that commitment by launching this award. The award is meant to honor the following:
- Celebrate leadership. Honor students who step up in school and beyond.
- Promote scholarship. Reward academic dedication and college ambition.
- Encourage service. Highlight teens who give of their time to improve their neighborhoods.
- Recognize mentorship. Give students a chance to publicly thank the teachers who’ve inspired them.
Who’s Eligible & How to Apply?
Any high school senior planning to enroll in an accredited college, university, or technical school may apply. To complete your application, you’ll need to submit:
- An official entry form (also available from your school counselor)
- A 250-word essay on the theme “My Most Influential Teacher,”
- One letter of recommendation from a teacher, coach, counselor or community leader.
Scholarships for Juniors!
ATTENTION JUNIORS: Applications for the impact-driven, four-year, full-tuition Cameron Impact Scholarship are officially open for the CLASS OF 2027.
The Cameron Impact Scholarship is impact-driven and open to all applicants who meet the GPA and citizenship requirements, regardless of race, socioeconomic status, religion, sexual orientation or any other background factors. Integrity, intelligence, motivation, work ethic, and willingness to serve others are the strongest indicators of a worthy educational investment.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: MAY 1, 2026 at 12PM PT (NOON) - OR - when we reach 3,000 eligible and complete applications - whichever occurs first.
We are only able to accept and review a total of 3,000 complete and eligible applications - please note that we typically reach capacity prior to the deadline and we STRONGLY ENCOURAGE applicants to submit well before the deadline.
https://www.bryancameroneducationfoundation.org/scholarship
The Cameron Impact Scholarship is impact-driven and open to all applicants who meet the GPA and citizenship requirements, regardless of race, socioeconomic status, religion, sexual orientation or any other background factors. Integrity, intelligence, motivation, work ethic, and willingness to serve others are the strongest indicators of a worthy educational investment.
- 15 scholarships awarded per annum
- Four-year, full tuition scholarship (actual dollar amount varies based upon school selection)
- Freedom in choice of school and area of study
- Accepting applications for the Class of 2027 - JUNIORS;
- have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.7 or higher;
- be a citizen of the United States.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: MAY 1, 2026 at 12PM PT (NOON) - OR - when we reach 3,000 eligible and complete applications - whichever occurs first.
We are only able to accept and review a total of 3,000 complete and eligible applications - please note that we typically reach capacity prior to the deadline and we STRONGLY ENCOURAGE applicants to submit well before the deadline.
https://www.bryancameroneducationfoundation.org/scholarship
|
Self Care:
|
Scholarships
Do you need money to make post high a reality? Start with these two databases!
Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award has a spring deadline as well. Apply by 15 April for a chance at a $10,000.
The Herbert Lehman Education Fund offers up to $10,000 to students with demonstrated need. Apply by 1 April Create Real Impact invites you to submit a campaign to reduce reckless driving. Register to compete by 30 March. Win up to $10,000 The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes gives young people between the ages of 8 and 18 up to $10,000 for community service projects they have spearheaded. Apply by 15 March Are you the child or grandchild of someone who served in the Navy? Get up to $10,000 in scholarships. Apply by 15 March The UTC Scholarships offer up to $6,000 yearly for students planning on attending a 4 year school. Apply by 15 March The Kim and Harald Louie Foundation offers up to $100,000 in scholarships for talented seniors in high school. GPA and SAT requirements. Apply by 15 March AICPA offers up to $10,000 for people who are interested in becoming CPAs. Apply by 15 March. Planning a future in building and construction? NPCA offers up to $20,000 in scholarship money and internship opportunities. Apply by 13 March. The Society for Exploration Geophysicists offers a $10,000 scholarship for a senior in high school who is planning to go into the filed of geophysics. Apply by 1 March. Are you the descendent of an Italian immigrant to the United States who is interested in Italian heritage and culture? There's a scholarship for that! And it's worth up to $12,000. Submit to the National Italian American Foundation by 1 March |
Do Good Things for People
Support the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center with their Liberation and Freedom Walk/Run. They are partnering with Prolyfyck Farms. Proceeds go to supporting Black community groups. The run/walk gets you out into the community to learn about Charlottesville's Black History.
Tonight is a Volunteer Open House with Rivanna Conservation Alliance
Enjoy a benefit concern for Women Against Violence this Saturday
People and Places: Conservation Projects at Highland is happening on Saturday.
Support Cville Weekly with SongWriter: Bruce Holsinger + The Golden Hours
Tonight is a Volunteer Open House with Rivanna Conservation Alliance
Enjoy a benefit concern for Women Against Violence this Saturday
People and Places: Conservation Projects at Highland is happening on Saturday.
Support Cville Weekly with SongWriter: Bruce Holsinger + The Golden Hours
Summer's Coming!
Looking for great things to do this summer? Look no further!
And also don't skip this!
And also don't skip this!
NASA's GeneLab for High School Students Summer Program is taking applications until 15 March. GL4HS will continue offering its asynchronous summer program in 2026. The program will consist of 12 weeks of on-demand training and will run June 1st through August 28th, 2026. Applications for the 2026 program will open on February 15 and remain open for one month, closing on March 15, or until 1,000 applications are received, whichever occurs first. Join our mailing list to receive the latest updates. High school transcripts are required for all applications. Only digital (scanned) copies in PDF format will be accepted and must be submitted through the online application form. Applications submitted after the application period closes will not be reviewed.
The Sorenson High School Leaders Program is taking applications. This is a great program for folks interested in politics and in making changes in their communities. We had a student attend one year and the bill he developed with other students was actually passed by the General Assembly. Apply now!
William & Mary offers a series of law related programs through the Center for Legal & Court Technology (CLCT) at William & Mary Law School in Virginia! Taught by law professors, these include:
SOAR is the Summer Opportunities in Academic Research offered by UVA. This program places you with researchers to do work in areas like Health Care, Data Science, AI, and more. It is a competitive program and students must apply. Students who participate will receive a free laptop. See below for more!
The Sorenson High School Leaders Program is taking applications. This is a great program for folks interested in politics and in making changes in their communities. We had a student attend one year and the bill he developed with other students was actually passed by the General Assembly. Apply now!
William & Mary offers a series of law related programs through the Center for Legal & Court Technology (CLCT) at William & Mary Law School in Virginia! Taught by law professors, these include:
- Introduction to Law & the United States Legal System
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and the Law
- Introduction to Search and Seizure
SOAR is the Summer Opportunities in Academic Research offered by UVA. This program places you with researchers to do work in areas like Health Care, Data Science, AI, and more. It is a competitive program and students must apply. Students who participate will receive a free laptop. See below for more!
Want to Volunteer at UVA Hospital this summer? There are mandatory virtual information meetings. See their website for more information and how to sign up.
JUNIORS: Each year the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary host their annual week long civics programs at Virginia colleges, Boys State and Girls State respectively. If you are interested in this program and would like to be nominated, please look through their websites, calendar dates, and content. Only students who are truly interested should apply. If you are interested, please fill out this Google Form by March 1st. Interviews are a required part of the nomination process.
Applications are open for the 48th annual Youth Conservation Camp (YCC)! The camp will be held at Virginia Tech, July 12-18th, 2026. YCC is an experience for high school students (currently enrolled in grades 9-12) held at Virginia Tech each summer. The program brings together about 70 interested students from across the state for a week of learning about Virginia’s natural resources from conservation professionals and faculty from Virginia Tech. Most of the instruction is hands-on and outdoors. Students must send completed applications (Application form and one Letter of Recommendation) to [email protected] by March 26, 2026. Late applications cannot be accepted.
**The Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District provides a limited amount of full scholarships for students in our District (Albemarle, Charlottesville, Fluvanna, Louisa, and Nelson) to attend YCC each year. Applicants are encouraged to apply early! Space is limited and camp scholarships are only available in a limited quantity.**
More information about the 2026 Youth Conservation Camp and pictures from previous camps can be found here.
JUNIORS: Each year the American Legion and the American Legion Auxiliary host their annual week long civics programs at Virginia colleges, Boys State and Girls State respectively. If you are interested in this program and would like to be nominated, please look through their websites, calendar dates, and content. Only students who are truly interested should apply. If you are interested, please fill out this Google Form by March 1st. Interviews are a required part of the nomination process.
Applications are open for the 48th annual Youth Conservation Camp (YCC)! The camp will be held at Virginia Tech, July 12-18th, 2026. YCC is an experience for high school students (currently enrolled in grades 9-12) held at Virginia Tech each summer. The program brings together about 70 interested students from across the state for a week of learning about Virginia’s natural resources from conservation professionals and faculty from Virginia Tech. Most of the instruction is hands-on and outdoors. Students must send completed applications (Application form and one Letter of Recommendation) to [email protected] by March 26, 2026. Late applications cannot be accepted.
**The Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District provides a limited amount of full scholarships for students in our District (Albemarle, Charlottesville, Fluvanna, Louisa, and Nelson) to attend YCC each year. Applicants are encouraged to apply early! Space is limited and camp scholarships are only available in a limited quantity.**
More information about the 2026 Youth Conservation Camp and pictures from previous camps can be found here.
Applications are now open for Camp Woods & Wildlife, to be held June 15-19 at Holiday Lake 4-H Center near Appomattox. This hands-on, career-focused overnight camp is open to any Virginia student aged 13-16 who has not attended before. Our curriculum covers many aspects of forest and wildlife ecology and management. Classes are taught in the field by natural resource professionals. The camp is supported by donations that allow each camper to attend at a cost of only $95.
The TJSWCD has limited funding to allow students to attend for free! Please contact them ASAP if you are interested.
Students should apply no later than April 15. The application and all information can be found at https://dof.virginia.gov/education-and-recreation/youth-education/camp-woods-wildlife/. Questions about camp? Contact Ellen Powell at the Department of Forestry- [email protected] or 434-987-0475.
The TJSWCD has limited funding to allow students to attend for free! Please contact them ASAP if you are interested.
Students should apply no later than April 15. The application and all information can be found at https://dof.virginia.gov/education-and-recreation/youth-education/camp-woods-wildlife/. Questions about camp? Contact Ellen Powell at the Department of Forestry- [email protected] or 434-987-0475.
Triple C Camp Is Looking for Counelsors!
Triple C is a traditional day camp serving 300+ kids in the Charlottesville community each week. Every summer we hire an incredible team of 60+ staff to lead, inspire, and educate our campers. Hiring for Summer 2026 has begun! They have many positions available including Lifeguards, General Counselors, Horseback Riding Instructors, facility support, and more. Contact them today!
Get Writing This Summer with Kelly Writers' House!
We are thrilled to announce the 2026 Summer Workshop for Young Writers, a ten-day program for rising high school juniors and seniors which will take place from July 5-15, 2026.
This is an opportunity for promising, passionate high school writers from diverse backgrounds to learn from the faculty, staff, and alumni of Penn’s Kelly Writers House and Creative Writing Program, and from their fellow participants. Students will engage in a workshop-style course focused primarily on literary nonfiction writing with additional craft sessions in other genres. The goal of this workshop is to provide creative high school students, especially those who have not had similar opportunities, with the chance to dedicate full days to the practice of writing.
Thanks to the generosity and vision of longtime friends of the Kelly Writers House, Maury Povich (C’62) and Connie Chung, we are able to offer assistance in the form of full-tuition grants and funding for travel to participants with financial need.
Because of our commitment to keeping a close-knit learning environment where students receive extensive individual feedback, we will only be able to accommodate a small number of candidates. We hope you will consider applying! The application is open now and is due March 2, 2026.
Please note that admission, or lack thereof, to this program has no direct impact on a student’s chances for eventual admission to the University of Pennsylvania.
Much more information and the application are available via our website.
Martha Jefferson Junior Volunteers
The Summer 2026 Junior Volunteer Program Application is opening (and closing!) earlier this year. As of today, the application is open. It will be closing on March 1, 2026. Please tell your students to get their application submitted early!
Our perfect student:
-Age 15-18
-Expresses an interest in working in a hospital or healthcare field
-Wants to help
-Available for June 8 orientation
All information about the programing, including the application, can be found here: Junior Volunteer Program at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital. If there are additional questions after exploring the website, please reach out to us at [email protected] so the email does not get lost in the shuffle.
Triple C is a traditional day camp serving 300+ kids in the Charlottesville community each week. Every summer we hire an incredible team of 60+ staff to lead, inspire, and educate our campers. Hiring for Summer 2026 has begun! They have many positions available including Lifeguards, General Counselors, Horseback Riding Instructors, facility support, and more. Contact them today!
Get Writing This Summer with Kelly Writers' House!
We are thrilled to announce the 2026 Summer Workshop for Young Writers, a ten-day program for rising high school juniors and seniors which will take place from July 5-15, 2026.
This is an opportunity for promising, passionate high school writers from diverse backgrounds to learn from the faculty, staff, and alumni of Penn’s Kelly Writers House and Creative Writing Program, and from their fellow participants. Students will engage in a workshop-style course focused primarily on literary nonfiction writing with additional craft sessions in other genres. The goal of this workshop is to provide creative high school students, especially those who have not had similar opportunities, with the chance to dedicate full days to the practice of writing.
Thanks to the generosity and vision of longtime friends of the Kelly Writers House, Maury Povich (C’62) and Connie Chung, we are able to offer assistance in the form of full-tuition grants and funding for travel to participants with financial need.
Because of our commitment to keeping a close-knit learning environment where students receive extensive individual feedback, we will only be able to accommodate a small number of candidates. We hope you will consider applying! The application is open now and is due March 2, 2026.
Please note that admission, or lack thereof, to this program has no direct impact on a student’s chances for eventual admission to the University of Pennsylvania.
Much more information and the application are available via our website.
Martha Jefferson Junior Volunteers
The Summer 2026 Junior Volunteer Program Application is opening (and closing!) earlier this year. As of today, the application is open. It will be closing on March 1, 2026. Please tell your students to get their application submitted early!
Our perfect student:
-Age 15-18
-Expresses an interest in working in a hospital or healthcare field
-Wants to help
-Available for June 8 orientation
All information about the programing, including the application, can be found here: Junior Volunteer Program at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital. If there are additional questions after exploring the website, please reach out to us at [email protected] so the email does not get lost in the shuffle.
"The Best School" and "The Best School for You" should be one and the same. You're not buying a pair of shoes. You're going to school for four years. Just because it's a good brand name, doesn't mean it fits you or that you're comfortable there.
College Corner
Spring Hill College, Mobile, Alabama
Help! How do I figure out where to apply to college?
Deciding where to apply to college is a difficult thing to do. For many of you, you’ve only heard of a pretty small number of schools. You know our state schools, some other state schools (usually associated with sports, or that appear on lists), the Ivies, of course, and maybe the schools your parents went to. But there are more than 4,400 colleges and universities in the United States. So how do you start this search?
For me, especially because I believe that it’s best to graduate from college without debt, something we worked very hard to be sure our daughter was able to do, I think you need to sit down as a family and have an honest conversation about what you can pay. In our house we called this the “House Rules” and it was the first thing we decided. I encourage everyone to have this conversation right off the bat. Why? For one thing, debt can drag you down after you graduate. Secondly, being honest about finances models for students how to learn to manage their money well. Finally, it also helps to shape expectations about what kind of schools you can afford to go to.
Step two is to really do an audit of your academics and look at yourself as a student. How rigorous has your course of study been? What is your GPA unweighted? What is it weighted? Have you taken a lot of AP/DE classes? Have you taken mostly Advanced classes? How far have you gotten in math? Science? What electives have you taken? Are they sequential? Have you done an AP Language? Have you done an Independent Study? Do you have AP credit you will take with you? A student with a 4.6 GPA weighted but who really has a 3.7 unweighted GPA is actually less likely to impress than a student with a 4.5 who has a 4.0 unweighted. A student with a 4.4/4.0 might be more attractive if they have done Art1-3 and AP Art and PVCC Studio Art than a student who has a 4.6/3.8 and has done a smattering of electives without longevity.
Next look at your extracurricular activities. What do you do outside of school? And this doesn’t just mean your activities related to school. So sports are great, but so is babysitting, working a job for pay, church activities, scouting, music, community theatre, social justice work, politics. Anything you spend considerable time on outside of school counts. If you have home responsibilities like eldercare, helping younger siblings when a parent is working, or working in a family business, these all count. Again, longevity is important here. A student who has played in the band since middle school, someone who has played volleyball since 8th grade, a person who has been in 11 musicals has shown a serious commitment to what they like. This makes a difference. Schools like people who are both well rounded and who are pointy. But they are most interested in people who are interested in and excited about what they do.
Once you can look at yourself as a candidate, now you can get some help in figuring out where you stand as far as selectivity goes. Your school counselor is good at this. I can help you with this, and you can do some digging in Schoolinks with this, using the scattergrams. A good rule of thumb is that a student with an unweighted GPA of 3.7 and better should have their target schools in the 25-40% acceptance range, their reach schools in the 5-25% selectivity range, and their financial freedom schools in the 50% and up acceptance range. An unweighted GPA of 3.5-3.8 should put their target range in the 40-50% acceptance range, their reach in the 20-30% range, and their financial freedom schools in the 60% and lower range. This is an estimate, but it takes into account the slippery factors of things like this how colleges have made decisions after going test optional and the fact that more and more schools are brining testing back..
So how do you find schools? There are several ways to do this. You can search on Schoolinks. There you can toggle between national numbers and also numbers for students in ACPS. It also includes an estimate of costs so that can be very helpful as well. Check out Colleges You Might Not Know section which can introduce you to excellent schools that might not be on your radar. And also look at Colleges That Change Lives. Do not assume that staying in state will be cheaper than going out of state or to a private college. Coming down a tier in schools can make it very affordable to attend college. If you are the kind of student who can get into Amherst, but is willing to go to say, Lewis & Clark, you may find that attending Lewis & Clark is free while Amherst could cost you $95,000 a year. Not that many Virginians go to Lewis & Clark (which is an excellent school).
You also need to make some decisions about what you want in a school. Do you want to go to a large or small school? Do you want to play sports there or be a spectator? Do you want to be a part of the arts scene? Do you want to be close or far from home? How comfortable are you with living in a small town, rural area, big city? What do you want your environment to be like? Do you want to get to know your professors? These things can help as well.
Just because you’ve never heard of a school, or your parents have never heard of a school does not mean that it’s a bad school. Before moving to Virginia I’d never heard of Davidson. I don’t think many people in New England know Davidson or Washington & Lee. Not having heard of a school doesn’t make it a bad school. It means you haven’t heard of it. That’s all. So be openminded, flexible, and curious.
For me, especially because I believe that it’s best to graduate from college without debt, something we worked very hard to be sure our daughter was able to do, I think you need to sit down as a family and have an honest conversation about what you can pay. In our house we called this the “House Rules” and it was the first thing we decided. I encourage everyone to have this conversation right off the bat. Why? For one thing, debt can drag you down after you graduate. Secondly, being honest about finances models for students how to learn to manage their money well. Finally, it also helps to shape expectations about what kind of schools you can afford to go to.
Step two is to really do an audit of your academics and look at yourself as a student. How rigorous has your course of study been? What is your GPA unweighted? What is it weighted? Have you taken a lot of AP/DE classes? Have you taken mostly Advanced classes? How far have you gotten in math? Science? What electives have you taken? Are they sequential? Have you done an AP Language? Have you done an Independent Study? Do you have AP credit you will take with you? A student with a 4.6 GPA weighted but who really has a 3.7 unweighted GPA is actually less likely to impress than a student with a 4.5 who has a 4.0 unweighted. A student with a 4.4/4.0 might be more attractive if they have done Art1-3 and AP Art and PVCC Studio Art than a student who has a 4.6/3.8 and has done a smattering of electives without longevity.
Next look at your extracurricular activities. What do you do outside of school? And this doesn’t just mean your activities related to school. So sports are great, but so is babysitting, working a job for pay, church activities, scouting, music, community theatre, social justice work, politics. Anything you spend considerable time on outside of school counts. If you have home responsibilities like eldercare, helping younger siblings when a parent is working, or working in a family business, these all count. Again, longevity is important here. A student who has played in the band since middle school, someone who has played volleyball since 8th grade, a person who has been in 11 musicals has shown a serious commitment to what they like. This makes a difference. Schools like people who are both well rounded and who are pointy. But they are most interested in people who are interested in and excited about what they do.
Once you can look at yourself as a candidate, now you can get some help in figuring out where you stand as far as selectivity goes. Your school counselor is good at this. I can help you with this, and you can do some digging in Schoolinks with this, using the scattergrams. A good rule of thumb is that a student with an unweighted GPA of 3.7 and better should have their target schools in the 25-40% acceptance range, their reach schools in the 5-25% selectivity range, and their financial freedom schools in the 50% and up acceptance range. An unweighted GPA of 3.5-3.8 should put their target range in the 40-50% acceptance range, their reach in the 20-30% range, and their financial freedom schools in the 60% and lower range. This is an estimate, but it takes into account the slippery factors of things like this how colleges have made decisions after going test optional and the fact that more and more schools are brining testing back..
So how do you find schools? There are several ways to do this. You can search on Schoolinks. There you can toggle between national numbers and also numbers for students in ACPS. It also includes an estimate of costs so that can be very helpful as well. Check out Colleges You Might Not Know section which can introduce you to excellent schools that might not be on your radar. And also look at Colleges That Change Lives. Do not assume that staying in state will be cheaper than going out of state or to a private college. Coming down a tier in schools can make it very affordable to attend college. If you are the kind of student who can get into Amherst, but is willing to go to say, Lewis & Clark, you may find that attending Lewis & Clark is free while Amherst could cost you $95,000 a year. Not that many Virginians go to Lewis & Clark (which is an excellent school).
You also need to make some decisions about what you want in a school. Do you want to go to a large or small school? Do you want to play sports there or be a spectator? Do you want to be a part of the arts scene? Do you want to be close or far from home? How comfortable are you with living in a small town, rural area, big city? What do you want your environment to be like? Do you want to get to know your professors? These things can help as well.
Just because you’ve never heard of a school, or your parents have never heard of a school does not mean that it’s a bad school. Before moving to Virginia I’d never heard of Davidson. I don’t think many people in New England know Davidson or Washington & Lee. Not having heard of a school doesn’t make it a bad school. It means you haven’t heard of it. That’s all. So be openminded, flexible, and curious.
On the Town
- Tonight UVA Theater presents New Works which will run through the weekend
- Charlottesville Tree Stewards offers a lecture on Tree Basics: The Social Lives of Trees tonight
- Twelfth Night is showing at Blackfriars
- Las Juanas is showing at Live Arts through the weekend
- Friday you can attend Moral Courage: How to Make a Difference in a Messy World
- Tomorrow is an author talk: Bsrat Mezghebe's I Hope You Find What You're Looking For
- Enjoy an opening for Art in the Microscopic World Friday
- Rebecca Porter and the Rhinestone Roses perform tomorrow
- Friday is also Films Talk Back – Engraved: Finding Family at Oak Hill Cemetery
- The 4th Annual Odds and Ends Film Festival is tomorrow
- Saturday is a Gospel Concert with Horace Scruggs
- Gabrielle Calvocaressi will be reading poetry on Saturday
- Saturday enjoy Salsafest
- Enjoy Stravinsky's Petrushka on Saturday
- Saturday Valentin Prince is performing
- Adam Carter plays UVA Chamber Series 4 on Saturday
- Wednesday you can catch a screening of See Memory
- Make Wednesday an Evening with Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and Robert Costa at the Center for Politics with Larry Sabato
- Riverdance will be at the JPJ on Wednesday
