Local & Virginia Opportunities to Grow (for Students) Fall 2026
Virginia National Bank Finance Career and Leadership Academy
Virginia National Bank (VNB) is proud to announce that it is currently taking applications for its 2027 Finance Career and Leadership Academy (FCLA, Academy)!
The FCLA is an in-depth and challenging educational program that offers students in high school the training and skills necessary to understand and manage one’s personal finances, obtain employment and excel as a professional, AND potentially lay the groundwork for a promising career in the banking and finance industry. The Academy is open to high school juniors and seniors and is free to those that are accepted into the program.
The FCLA will be taught in-person with evening classes running from January 11 through June 4, 2027 (first class on Tuesday, January 12th), at Virginia National Bank’s Pantops office. The FCLA application deadline is Friday, November 20, 2026. Up to ten students will be accepted into the program. Upon completion of the Academy, high performing FCLA participants become candidates for VNB’s College Program.
We will be holding two free informational presentations for interested parents and students. The location, dates, and times for the presentations are listed below.
October 20th (T) or November 5th (Th) 6:30 – 8:00 PM
Virginia National Bank 404 People Place, Basement Level Charlottesville, VA 22911
Refreshments will be served. Seating is limited; therefore, an RSVP sent to events@vnb.com www.vnb.com/fcla
Writer’s Eye Writing Contest—Fralin Gallery (at UVA)
Are you a writer who is INSPIRED by art? UVA's Fralin Gallery invites you to participate in Writer’s Eye, a literary competition organized by The Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia. This ekphrastic writing competition challenges writers of all ages to create original poetry and prose inspired by works of art.
https://uvafralinartmuseum.virginia.edu/program/writers-eye
Lighthouse Studio: Learn the Art of Filmmaking
During summer and throughout the year, LightHouse studio holds workshops, camps and community events that give young people opportunities to build new and lasting skills in filmmaking. In addition to filmmaking and technical abilities our students learn soft skills: collaboration, communication, planning, citizenship, creativity, and empathy. Local--right here in Charlottesville! Adrelenine Film Project is coming SOON! Sign up today!
https://lighthousestudio.org/
Charlottesville/Albemarle 4H
https://sites.google.com/view/albemarlecharlottesville-4-h/home
Agriculture, Natural Resources, Leadership, Science/Technology/Engineering, Communication/Expressive Arts and so much more!
Be a high school DJ: WTJU Radio in Charlottesville
https://www.wtju.net/highschooldj/
Be a Page in the Virginia General Assembly
This long-running (since 1847) and popular program for Virginia youth (ages 13- and 14-years old) is held each winter at the historic Virginia State Capitol and General Assembly Building in Richmond, Virginia. The House Page Program equips students for actively engaged citizenship, focuses on the lawmaking process, and benefits participants (and our democracy) by strengthening leadership traits and developing workplace skills. A successful candidate possesses drive and self-initiative, is committed to listening to and working with others, and clearly demonstrates a positive attitude in all activities
On a typical workday (8:30 AM - 5:00 PM) each week, Page work assignments include delivering documents to officials throughout the Capitol, General Assembly Building and around Capitol Square; performing office errands on behalf of House Members and the Clerk’s Office; working in various staff sections within the Clerk’s Office; and completing an array of needed tasks to ensure the smooth running of daily House committee meetings and Floor sessions in the House Chamber in the Capitol. Pages are trained for these duties and responsibilities during their employment before Session starts.
Following the workday, Pages have two hours of “free time” (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM) reserved for eating dinner at nearby restaurants or ordering from delivery services. A mandatory evening Study Hall is held at the hotel Monday through Thursday from 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. During this time, certified teachers supervise the Pages and assist them, as needed, but these educators do not provide classroom instruction and do not administer or proctor testing. Prior to starting as a House Page and during its duration (7 weeks in odd-numbered years; 9 weeks in even-numbered years), Pages and their parents are responsible for arranging with their schools and teachers the preferred method of submitting completed school assignments and exams during this extended / excused absence. While at their daily work assignments, Pages remain under the supervision of the Page Program Coordinators and monitored by the Page Program Chaperones during evening hotel stays.
Apply by October 16.
https://publications.virginiageneralassembly.gov/display_publication/197
Smithsonian 'Democracy in Dialogue' Virtual Exchange
The Smithsonian Institution is accepting applications for its Spring 2027 Cohort, Democracy in Dialogue Virtual Exchange. This is an engaging professional learning opportunity connecting educators and students nationwide through dialogue, creativity, and democracy. The program is open to educators working with students ages 10–19 and includes an honorarium, CEU credits, and expenses for the January 2027 three-day summit in Washington, D.C. Submit your application to the Smithsonian by October 5.
Plant the Moon Challenge
The Plant the Moon Challenge, offered by the Institute of Competition Sciences through the Virginia Space Grant Consortium, invites middle- and high school students to explore what plants might be grown on the Moon through an engaging eight-week experiment beginning in February. Educator-led teams receive a challenge kit, stipend, virtual professional development, mentoring, enrichment activities, and resources. Apply by November 6.
Music Resource Center
As a nonprofit after-school program, the Music Resource Center provides unlimited voice, instrument, and dance lessons, practice space, mentorship, access to instruments and equipment, performance opportunities, summer camps, and recording studio time to 6th – 12th grade students.
https://musicresourcecenter.org/
Imagine a Day without Water Contest (Youth Art Contest)
design a poster for this contest sponsored by Charlottesville Soil and Water, VA
Grades 9-12, Submissions Open in September
https://charlottesville.gov/500/Imagine-a-Day-without-Water
Virginia Space Grant Programming
VESSS Virginia Earth System Science Scholars
Are you interested in science or engineering or NASA? The VESSS program begins with an online course—a free, 4 credit dual enrollment course through Virginia Peninsula Community College (potentially transferable to other colleges). If you complete and excel in the course, selected students will be invited to participate in a free 7-day SUMMER Academy at NASA-Langley Research Center. Open to Virginia high school Juniors and Seniors with a 2.7 GPA or higher.
Due: October
https://vsgc.odu.edu/vesss/
Virginia Space Coast Scholars
Attention 10th graders interested science, engineering, technology and NASA:
NASA/Virginia Space Coast Scholars has 2 parts–an online program (five modules) about current NASA missions by NASA Wallops Flight Facility (in Virginia) and…
Upon completion of the on-line program, top students may be invited to attend a FREE seven-day residential summer academy at NASA Wallops Flight Facility on the Eastern Shore (selection process is competitive).
https://vsgc.odu.edu/spacecoast/
Application DUE: October
Virginia Aerospace Science and Technology Scholars (VASTS)
Attention 11th and 12th graders interested in science, engineering, technology, and NASA-
VASTS is a free program that allows high school juniors and seniors to:
1. take an online NASA-developed course. First, students learn about a broad range of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills
2. based on course performance, scholars may be selected to participate in an all-expense paid seven-day residential Summer Academy at NASA Langley Research Center (selection process is competitive)
https://vsgc.odu.edu/vasts/
Application DUE: October
Congressional App Challenge
The Congressional App Challenge is the most prestigious prize in student computer science (we are in the 5th Congressional district). Do you have an idea for an APP? Challenge is open to middle and high school students who code.
*We’ve had a former AHS student WIN, so get coding today!
Register Today! Competition Due: October 26
https://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/
Voices of Democracy Student Writing Contest
The Voices of Democracy Student Writing Contest invites middle and high school students to reflect on the future of democracy—and compete for cash prizes.
This year’s theme, “The Next 250 Years,” marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Students are invited to consider what democracy in America should look like in the next 250 years and how young people and emerging technologies can help shape its future.
The competition is open to students in grades 6–12 attending public, private, or homeschool programs in Albemarle County or Charlottesville. Students should submit 150–300 words of original writing in response to the contest prompt.
It has been 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. As we look toward the next 250 years, what should democracy in America look like, and how can young people and emerging technologies work together to shape its future?
Entries are due September 30.
➡️ Contest details and submission information
National History Day/Virginia History Day Contest
Grades 9-12
Are you a historian? Do you love history class or the study of history? AHS has a NATIONALLY award-winning National History Day team and club. You can enter the contest as an individual entry by creating a documentary, exhibit, performance, website (individual or group) or paper (individual only). You can also enter as a team--groups may include two to five students.
Have an IDEA? Want to get started with your research?
Join the AHS National History Day Club on Fridays in Room 97H in the library or email Ms. H Newman TODAY. Hnewman@k12albemarle.org
UVA High School Visitation Day hosted by Society of Women Engineers
Every Fall and Spring, high school students from all over Virginia visit the university to experience what it's like to be an engineering student at UVA. Accepted participants will spend the day collaborating on design activities, visiting a majors fair, touring labs and dorms, and listening to speakers. This event will introduce students to various engineering fields and the engineering design process. HSV is geared toward girls in their junior or senior years of high school; however, freshmen and sophomores are welcome to apply as well. Application are open now and due Oct 2.
https://www.virginiaswe.org/hsv
YMCA Youth and Government Model Government
A model government experience for teens in grades 8-12
YMCA Youth and Government™ is a teen program of the YMCA of the USA that allows high school students to serve in state-organized, model-government programs.
Youth and Government is made up of thousands of teens nationwide and introduces them to the world of speech and debate, empowering them to make a positive impact on their community. Participants immerse themselves in experiential civic engagement, state-specific debate issues, and even propose legislation.
Throughout the year, high school participants research and analyze policies and laws affecting youth, teens, and families in the state. In the spring, they have the exciting opportunity to visit Washington D.C. and participate in a mock trial and Legislative Weekend.
WHO: Grades 8-12
WHEN: Weekly on Tuesdays 6:30pm-8pm, starting 9/9
WHERE: Brooks Family YMCA
Teen Leaders Club with Piedmont YMCA
The YMCA Teen Leaders Club is a program giving middle- and high-school-age teens opportunities to develop leadership skills, give back to their community through volunteer work, and have fun. Teens will strengthen skills centering on body, mind, and spirit. The year-long program includes volunteering, team-building, fitness, devotions, academic enrichment, and social events.
Once they have earned enough volunteer hours to qualify, participants also get to attend the Blue Ridge Leaders' School experience at the end of the year! Teens can be in Leader's Club for as many years as they'd like.
WHO: Teens in grades 6-12
WHEN: Weekly on Tuesdays 6:30pm-7:30pm, Starting September 8
WHERE: Brooks Family YMCA
https://piedmontymca.org/teen-leaders-club
c4K Clubhouse Charlottesville
Our members can take part either individually or as a group in a wide variety of STEAM Science, Technology, Engineering, Math activities in our makerspace in the Clubhouse, from virtual reality to audio and visual production. C4K does 1:1 mentoring, group events, and field trips. Check their website for eligibility.
https://c4kclubhouse.org/
Jefferson Madison Regional Library for Teens/Literary Magazine (Inkling) Submissions Open
https://jmrl.org/Inkling
Calling all writers and artists ages 11-18!
"inkling teen arts magazine"JMRL’s Teen Creative Arts Magazine (Teen Zine) gives all teens in the library’s service area the opportunity to share their talents and work together on a project showcasing a range of artistry. Meetings will occur monthly in a hybrid format.
Submission Guidelines:
Accepting Writing and 2D art
Open to ages 11-18
Author/artist must reside within JMRL service area
Submissions must be original in their entirety (please no AI)
Submit your own work only (no submitting on someone else’s behalf)
ONE submission per format (art & writing) per teen
Writing limit is 750 words or less and may receive light editing
Submitted electronically as a file type (PDF, PNG or JPEG)
Will not accept original art pieces (must be photo or scan)
Will not accept paper submissions
Join JMRL Teens! College professors at top tier universities are worried--because very few high school graduates are reading books independently (outside of school). They find themselves overwhelmed by the reading lists assigned by colleges and unprepared to keep up with the pace of learning. And these are at the top tier institutions of learning!
Did you know that reading can improve your writing as well as expand your vocabulary? WIN. Reading builds empathy and the ability to appreciate others' points of view. Heck, a great read, it can change your worldview.
Reading grows your brain. It can destress you and reduce anxiety. It can improve your focus and attention. Reading groups (like the ones at your local Jefferson Madison Regional public library) can connect you with other teens. If I could choose one thing that my students do to expand their minds--it would be reading. A lot. Daily. Be a reader.
Includes Book Clubs, Teen Advisory Board, Inkling Literary Magazine and more! What's your reading goal this year? Get to know your local library system--Jefferson Madison Regional Library. They are FREE and OPEN to the public. Ms. Newman is a reader--I am ALWAYS reading!
https://jmrl.org/teens
Central Library Offerings