Youth Development at NNPS
Student Empowerment
We believe that every student should have the opportunity to lead, serve, and contribute to their school and the community.
Student voice matters! Our goal is to develop students into extraordinary student leaders. Student empowerment opportunities are designed to tap into the amazing strengths and talents of all Newport News Public Schools students. In NNPS, our students lead important work, including designing and leading clubs, projects, and activities which not only provide an opportunity for self-development and service, but which also promote a positive school culture and discourage harassing behaviors.
Bloom
Bloom is a division-wide student led empowerment initiative, designed to equip promising female middle school students with the information and resources essential for their development as global leaders, destined to make an impact in their schools, community, and the world! To assist these middle school students, high school students partner with students from local colleges and universities and community partners to serve as "Empowerment Coaches."
In addition to an annual conference, Bloom organizations in each middle school meet regularly to address topics such as self-discovery, positive relationships, and health and wellness. Bloom participants also experience an annual leadership institute, college and career exploration opportunities, conduct social entrepreneurship and service projects, and learn valuable skills, such as public speaking and project management.
RISE! Male Empowerment
The RISE! Male Empowerment Program has entered its fourth year as a mentoring initiative for NNPS students. The K-12 initiative aims to connect youth with nurturing adults in schools and the community who work with youth to build skills, positive identity, and a sense of belonging and membership.
Like Blossom, elementary RISE! is growing as many families seek out mentoring opportunities for younger students. RISE! is also coordinated by school-based coaches and supported by external volunteers who commit to regular participation in school-based programming and field experiences.
In Newport News Public Schools, it is our goal to help students feel a connection to school that extends beyond the classroom. In our elementary schools, this is accomplished in part by offering a variety of clubs and activities for students that are sponsored by school-based staff members and local community partners. While our clubs and activities exist to provide experiences that promote student engagement, they also give students a platform to lead their own activities and to serve in both their schools and the community in various capacities. Giving students these opportunities not only provides them with meaningful experiences, but also gives them a positive sense of self and helps them feel a greater sense of belonging I their school community.
In Newport News Public Schools, it is our goal to help students feel a connection to school that extends beyond the classroom. In our elementary schools, this is accomplished in part by offering a variety of clubs and activities for students that are sponsored by school-based staff members and local community partners. While our clubs and activities exist to provide experiences that promote student engagement, they also give students a platform to lead their own activities and to serve in both their schools and the community in various capacities. Giving students these opportunities not only provides them with meaningful experiences, but also gives them a positive sense of self and helps them feel a greater sense of belonging I their school community.Middle and high school students have many opportunities to lead in their schools, daily. Whether serving as an anchor on their school's morning broadcast, serving as a club officer, inspiring as an athletic team captain, or serving in the community, NNPS students learn important skills, such as critical thinking, relationship building, project management, and team work.
NNPS Students Lead
In Newport News Public Schools, it is our goal to help students feel a connection to school that extends beyond the classroom. This is accomplished in part by offering a variety of clubs and activities for students that are sponsored by school-based staff members and local community partners. Students lead hundreds of organizations and serve daily in both their schools and the community in various capacities. These opportunities give students a positive sense of self and helps them feel a greater sense of belonging. Whether serving as an anchor on their school's morning broadcast, serving as a club officer, inspiring as a peer mentor, or serving in the community, NNPS students learn important skills, such as critical thinking, relationship building, project management, and team work.
Emerging Leader Institute
Emerging Leader Institute is a selective leadership training opportunity for rising 11th and 12th grade student leaders. Sponsored by the RISE! Male Empowerment and Flourish Empowerment Programs, the purpose of the Institute is to equip students who already demonstrate leadership strength with the training, resources, and experiences to become global leaders.
STAND is the student-led campaign to discourage bullying and harassing behaviors and to promote positive school culture.
Live Well
The Live Well Student Wellness Initiative is a student-led campaign to promote the social, emotional, and physical well-being of students in grades K-12.
Principal's Advisory Group members serve as the voice of their peers in regular meetings with school administrators.
Superintendent's Advisory Group on Education (SAGE) members meet regularly with the superintendent to review and address issues of importance across the school division, including academics, student life, planning and policies.
Student Council Association (SCA). NNPS students in grades 3-12 participate in SCA, serving as officers and representatives. In addition to leading programming in their schools, high school students participate in the annual Virginia Student Council Association Convention.
Young Adult Police Commissioners (YAPC) is a unique experience offered by the Newport News Police Department.
Newport News Boards and Commissions. Each year, NNPS students serve alongside city leaders and residents on multiple City Boards and Commissions, including the Newport News Mayor's Youth Commission.
Youth Volunteer Corps Hampton Roads (YVCHR). NNPS students lead projects and experience service learning in school-based YVC clubs and as members of the community-based organization.
