Who They’ve Become
One by one, the seniors stood in front of the room and announced where they were headed next. Old Dominion University.Virginia Tech.James Madison University.Virginia State University… Then came the surprise…
Tae’Veon Johnson, Collegiate School, Class of 2026
If there’s one word that captures Tae’Veon, it’s active. It shows up in the way he’s approached the last four years—consistently doing what’s asked and then going beyond it. He’s…
Tyra Gilliam, Trinity Episcopal School, Class of 2026
Tyra is someone who shows up, with consistency, care, and a growing sense of confidence. Her path hasn’t always been immediate, but her growth has been steady and earned over…
We Are Not Tutors
UP RVA didn’t set out to build a tutoring program. In the early days, academic support looked like what you’d expect. Helping students get through homework. Preparing for tests. Trying…
Rocquel Wilson, St. Catherine’s, Class of 2026
As Rocquel prepares to graduate, the people who know her best point to the same qualities: curiosity, consistency, and a growing confidence in the classroom. She’s the kind of student…
“I Said Yes. Paul Figured It Out.”
UP RVA didn’t begin with systems and structure. It began with students who needed rides, homework help, and someone who would keep showing up when things got complicated. Over time,…
Tavon McKenzie, Steward, Class of 2026
If you ask Tavon’s teachers what stands out most about him, they’ll mention his quiet presence first. “You are quiet but thoughtful, with a smile that lights up the room,”…
Building a Résumé — and a Life
When people hear about UP RVA, they often think about school placement, transportation, or scholarships. All of that matters. But behind each of those supports is a longer arc —…
Dae’Zarriah Coles, St. Catherine’s School, Class of 2026
Dae’Zarriah doesn’t rush to be the loudest voice in the room — but when she speaks, people listen. Her teachers describe her as thoughtful, steady, and deeply engaged with her…
Putting Students First: Toby Desch on Ten Years of UP RVA
UP RVA’s story is one of growth — not just in size, but in purpose, structure, and impact. Toby Desch spent years building the foundation of the organization before handing…
Nacere Hart, Trinity Episcopal School, Class of 2026
If you ask his teachers what stands out about Nacere, they’ll tell you the same thing: he’s growing into a thoughtful, engaged, genuinely curious young man. This year especially, they’ve…
The Heartbeat of UP RVA: A Story About Mrs. Marchelle
Every community has a center of gravity — the steady presence everything else orbits around. At UP RVA, that’s Operations Manger Marchelle Roane. Long before most people begin their day,…
From Student to Advocate: The Making of a Changemaker
When Caliyah Bennett talks about her path—from Richmond’s East End to Collegiate, to Denison University, and now to serving her community through AmeriCorps—she carries one theme through every story: possibility…
Ny’Keila Short, Collegiate School, Class of 2026
What are your favorite subjects in school? My favorite subjects are math and history because they are straightforward and I find them both very interesting. What has been your favorite…
The Power of Belonging: UP RVA’s 9th Grade Pinning Ceremony
At UP RVA, we believe belonging is the foundation of success.That belief came to life this fall during our first-ever 9th Grade Pinning Ceremony — a new tradition welcoming our…
Naiim Byrd, The Steward School, Class of 2026
What are your favorite subjects in school? My favorite subject is English. I love reading the literature and breaking down people’s words because people write from the heart and express…
Join the UP RVA Middle School Program
The Middle School Application Process Thank you for your interest in the UP RVA Middle School Program! Our application process begins in the fall of 5th grade with key steps…
Find Your People, Find Your Places, Find Your Thing
Find Your People, Find Your Places, Find Your Thing UP RVA Students Explore James Madison University When our students visit a college campus, we want it to be more than…
Rockira Harris, Trinity Episcopal School, Class of 2025
Getting to know Rockira: From the first day she started the UP RVA program, Rockira has embodied excellence. Not only is she UP RVA’s first student to complete the full…
Davonte Hines, The Steward School, Class of 2025
Success on the basketball court often comes from a combination of strategy, level-headedness, and patience. It is no wonder Steward School 12th-grader Davonte Hines loves the sport, as he excels in…
