about nextup
Our Vision
Richmond’s youth will thrive in school, at home and in the community.
Studies show that structured Out-of-School Time (OST) programs make a positive difference in the lives of students and their families, and in the communities where they live and grow. Quality programs designed to offer experiences that supplement and support school-based education often lead to better school attendance, behavior and course performance. Also, quality OST programs provide a safe place to receive academic support and develop interests, passions and social skills.
We believe that the better coordinated our community’s efforts are, the more students can access programs, and the more students can be served, the stronger our community will be.
Our Mission
Our mission at NextUp is to provide all Richmond middle school students with access to coordinated, high-quality learning experiences beyond the classroom.
We believe that when students participate in high-quality out-of-school time (OST) programs, they benefit academically, physically and socially.
What We Do
Create Access
Expand Learning Opportunities
Promote Quality
Measure Impact
A Day in the Life of Nextup RVA
NextUp isn’t one single program or in one specific building. Rather, it’s a coordinated network of providers neatly managed under one system, giving students better access to quality enrichment that puts them on a path to success. For a minimum of two days every week, students can participate in activities based on their interests.
Students continue learning beyond the bell through hands-on experiences, creativity and fun. Around 6:30, all programs dismiss and buses take every child home safely.
Site Coordinators
Site Coordinators work with NextUp to organize providers and students and coordinate activities with the schools.
Science & Technology
These programs teach web page construction and essential cumputer skills.
Sports & Health
Youth participate in enriching and fun healthy experiences, from running a 5K to growing fresh produce in the garden.
Mentoring & Leadership
These programs provide a setting to talk about real issues for personal development.
Students are the center of our system. They are at the heart of all we do.
Student Support Services
The Student Support Coordinator at each site monitors the behavior and needs of each student and connects them to the help they need.
Snacks & Dinner
Nutritious snacks and a satisfying dinner are provided for every student, ensuring that no one does home hungry.
Arts & Humanities
Performance and studio art programs help students develop an understanding of the relationship between art, life and community.
Career & Work Readiness
Students learn and develop crucial working skills that will help them in the real world.
Our Staff
Our Board
Thurston R. Moore
Board Chair
Chairman Emeritus
Hunton Andrews Kurth
Heidi Abbott
Counsel
Hunton Andrews Kurth
Frank Atkinson
Senior Advisor & Partner
McGuireWoods LLC
Jeffrey Bourne (Jeff)
Delegate
Virginia House of Delegates, 71st District
Carlos Brown
Vice President and General Counsel
Dominion Energy
Troy Dye
Vice President, Head of Small Business Card Marketing
Capital One
Moses W. Foster, Jr.
President and Chief Executive Officer
West Cary Group LLC
Krissy M. Gathright
Chief Operating Officer – Retired
Apple Hospitality REIT
William H. Goodwin, Jr. (Bill)
Chairman
CCA Industries, Inc.
Jennifer Hunter
Senior Vice President
Corporate Citizenship
Altria Client Services, Inc.
Jason Kamras
Superintendent
Richmond Public Schools
John A. Luke, Jr.
Governance Chair & Secretary
Chairman
WestRock Company
Janice Luvera
Development Chair
Chief Marketing Officer
Genworth
John McCurley, Md, Mha
Internal Medicine
& Hospital Medicine
Colette McEachin
Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney
City of Richmond
Tayloe Negus
Audit Chair
Partner, Enterprise Client Leader
Aon Hewitt
Robin Pope-Moss
Advisory Chair
SunTrust Foundation
First Vice President, Purpose and Community Engagement Manager
Steven A. Rogers (Steve)
Finance Chair
Senior Vice President, Financial Management
Retired – Dominion Energy
Levar Stoney
Mayor
City of Richmond
Chriss Walther-Thomas, Ph.D.
Professor of Education – Retired
Virginia Commonwealth University
Our Advisory Committee
Robin Pope-Moss
SVP – Community Engagement and Outreach
Trust Bank
Heidi Abbott
Counsel
Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP
Tyler Agee
Director of Community Development
Bon Secours Richmond Health System
Kimberly M. Bridges, Ed.L.D.
Assistant Professor, School of Education
Virginia Commonwealth University
Mollie Brooks
Grants Manager
Virginia Early Childhood Foundation
Angel Clarke
VP/Community Relations Manager – RHMD, Virginia Office of CAO – Bank of America
Eva Colen
Sr. Policy Advisor – Youth Initiatives
Mayor’s Office – City of Richmond
Kathryn Fessler (Katie)
Senior Director, Corporate Citizenship
Altria Client Services
Harold Fitrer Ph.D.
President and Chief Executive Officer
Communities In Schools of Richmond
Greg Gallop
Senior Program Officer
Community Foundation
Shadae Harris, Ph.D.
Chief Engagement Officer
Richmond Public Schools
Sean Miller
Chief Operations Officer
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond
Jamie Seagraves
Community Affairs Engagement Strategist
Capital One
Mary Dunne Stewart
President / CEO
Greater Richmond Fit4Kids
Vera Thoms
Philanthropy Coordinator
Dominion Energy Services, Inc.
Ty Toepke
Executive Director
RPS Education Foundation
Contact us
Need help with online classes and registration or have any other questions? We can help.
NextUp RVA, Inc.
Barbara Couto Sipe, President & CEO
3409 Moore Street
Richmond, VA 23230
