Division of Community Engagement

Mary and Frances Youth Center

Teach a Class

Mary and Frances Youth Center will begin accepting class proposals for the 2019 Discovery camp session during the month of January.

Share your passion with youth this summer, and teach a Discovery class! Whether it is archaeology, fashion, dance, video games or even veterinary medicine - you have the opportunity to spark the interest of youth for their future careers. Join us for a fun summer surrounded by diverse youth across the Richmond region eager to dream, explore and investigate.

Faculty, graduate students, K-12 teachers and members of the broader community are all welcome and encouraged to join the Discovery team.

Each class accepts no more than 16 rising 6th to 8th graders in an effort to introduce them to potential future career options. Each class lasts one week and can be taught during the morning, afternoon or for a full day.

There is an opportunity for instructors to repeat their classes for multiple weeks of the four-week summer program.

Benefits of Teaching a Class

As a Faculty Member:

  • Mobilize and sustain a commitment to university-community partnerships for your VCU unit or program.
  • Create a lasting connection between VCU and youth in the Richmond region. 
  • Inspire youth to pursue opportunities in higher education.
  • Engage in service as a scholarly activity, thus fulfilling the role of a teaching, research and service faculty member
  • Draw on your expertise as a faculty member to inspire the next generation
  • Promote VCU as a welcoming, diverse institution
  • Demonstrate excellence in your role through service.
  • Allow Discovery to offer scholarships to underserved youth by volunteering your time.
  • Administrative and classroom support provided by MFYC

As a VCU Student:

  • Gain real world classroom experience working with students from a diverse urban environment.
  • Engage in service, enhance your leadership skills and gain professional experience.
  • Develop a professional network by connecting with youth serving professionals.
  • Volunteer as part of an internship or externship.
  • Benefit from positive youth development training.
  • Build your resume and skillset.
  • Allow Discovery to offer scholarships to underserved youth by volunteering your time.
  • Administrative and classroom support provided by MFYC.

As a Community Member:

  • Help create sustainable engagement opportunities that connect the broader community with VCU.
  • Allow Discovery to offer scholarships to underserved youth by volunteering your time.
  • Inspire youth to pursue opportunities in your profession.
  • Create unique class options that are not taught during the school year.
  • Share your passion with Richmond’s youth.
  • Build a professional network at VCU.
  • Grow your resume and skillset.
  • Benefit from positive youth development training.
  • Administrative and classroom support provided by MFYC

Submit a Proposal

To submit your proposal, complete the 2019 Discovery Proposal Form.

For more details, download the 2019 Discovery RFP Memo (PDF).

Previous Discovery Programs

For more information on the Discovery philosophy and details about last year's program, download the 2018 Facts at a Glance (PDF).

More Information

For more information, e-mail discovery@vcu.edu.

 

Summer Programs