Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin has announced an initiative to address learning loss through a tutoring partnership between the Urban League of Hampton Roads and Greater Richmond and four historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
The four HBCUs are Norfolk State University, Hampton University, Virginia State University, and Virginia Union University.
“We are on the cusp of losing a generation of children due to the profound and heart-wrenching learning loss of the past five years,” said Virginia Secretary of Education Aimee Rogstad Guidera. “The Urban League-HBCU Tutoring Partnership announced today represents community leaders coming together to ensure every child is seen, supported and back on track for success. This partnership should be an inspiring model for every community in the Commonwealth to follow.”
The program will pay HBCU students to be tutors and mentors to high school and middle school students.
“Access to quality education is the gateway for promise and possibilities to young minds and future leaders,” said Larry Murphy, interim CEO of the Urban League of Greater Richmond. “It’s the people; the academic leadership of Petersburg City Public Schools, Virginia State University, the students, families, and community at large who will ensure the partnership’s success.”
The program will support at least 675 Petersburg students, Murphy said.