Contact:
Bob Spieldenner
bobspieldenner@schev.edu
(804) 718-9443 (cell)

RICHMOND — The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV), in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Education and Commonwealth Savers (formerly Virginia529), awarded more than $126,000 to 10 Virginia colleges and universities to support the Middle School Campus Visit Project.

The initiative will engage approximately 4,225 middle school students from low-income communities in tailored campus experiences designed to foster early awareness of postsecondary opportunities and encourage long-term academic success.

Awardees and Grant Amounts:

• Brightpoint Community College: $10,000
• George Mason University: $15,000
• Hollins University: $11,000
• James Madison University: $15,000
• Longwood University: $12,000
• Patrick & Henry Community College: $15,000
• University of Richmond: $12,000
• Virginia Peninsula Community College: $10,000
• Virginia Tech: $13,000
• William & Mary: $14,000

Each institution will match its grant dollar-for-dollar, bringing the total one-year investment in this program to more than $250,000. The visits will occur during the 2024-25 academic year, with a June 30, 2025, end date.

"The Middle School Campus Visit Project introduces young students to the possibilities of higher education, sparking their interest in postsecondary pathways early in their academic journey," said Scott Fleming, SCHEV director. "By creating age-appropriate and engaging activities, colleges and universities are inspiring students to see themselves as future college students and begin to believe in the high expectations we have for them as the rising generation."

Unlike traditional college visits for high school students, these visits are designed with middle schoolers’ interests in mind. Institutions create tailored experiences to engage 6th – 8th graders, including hands-on lab activities, campus scavenger hunts and student-athlete panels. A highlight for many students is lunch in the dining hall, where they enjoy the novelty of all-you-care-to-eat dining.

Now in its third year, the Middle School Campus Visit Project continues to serve as a model for early outreach, connecting underrepresented students and their families to the opportunities available through higher education. The effort is part of SCHEV’s Level Up initiative to increase postsecondary readiness, enrollment and completion for all students in the Commonwealth.

###