Armstrong Leadership Program

Mission

To challenge, develop, stimulate and grow our student leaders physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. To ensure students acquire skills in the areas of

  • personal development
  • leadership training
  • mentoring
  • post graduate preparation
  • cultural exposure

in an effort to prepare students for success during and after high school.

Why Armstrong High School?

Armstrong High School was founded in 1865 as the first school dedicated to the intellectual, academic, moral, and social enhancement of freed African American students in Richmond, Virginia. With over 150 years of educational excellence, it has been responsible for training and developing more inner-city youth than any other high school in the city of Richmond. It has a rich and unrivaled legacy, producing some of the most prominent members of our community. Notable alumni include Maggie L. Walker, Admiral Samuel Gravely, Max Robinson, John Mitchell, and Governor L. Douglas Wilder to name a few.

In recent years, Armstrong High School has been faced with many challenges. It is located in the center of five public housing developments. Given the high unemployment rate in this area of the city, family hardship is a common reality. Many of our students are vulnerable to the surrounding negative influences and many have few adult figures in their lives to turn to for support.

As a result, we have recognized the importance of supporting these youth, so that they can reach their utmost potential and overcome the tremendous adversities that they face in their lives.

Components of the Armstrong Leadership Program

Personal development activities promote social, moral, emotional, and physical health. Students participate in workshops, Think Tank Cinemas, and group sessions at Richmond Hill and Armstrong High School to obtain personal growth.

Session topics include:

  • problem solving
  • health equity
  • interpersonal skills
  • mindfulness
  • building self-awareness and self-assessment
  • trauma informed care
  • case management

Leadership training sessions encourage students to set goals, analyze themselves, and/or motivate others to a course of action or thought. Students participate in Weekend Retreats, Workshops, and Team Building exercises.

Session topics include:

  • conflict resolution
  • teambuilding
  • communication skills
  • community building
  • setting goals
  • time management
  • diversity training

Mentoring relationships allows the student to establish quality relationships with adults for guidance and support. It is beneficial for each student to experience a healthy and positive relationship with at least one nurturing adult in his or her lives. Students and Mentors gather for bi-monthly planned Mentor-Mentee gatherings, Monthly One-on-One outings, as well as Tutoring and Community Dinners.

Session topics include:

  • community and professional networking
  • relationship building
  • cultural awareness

Post-graduate preparation helps students get ready for life after high school by creating a ā€œroad mapā€ to reach their desired goals. Students participate in workshops on college prep and career development sessions. Students are supported at least one after high school graduation as they transition into College or Workforce sessions.

Session topics include:

  • job shadowing
  • career exploration
  • college review (SAT prep, scholarship application, etc.)
  • professional development

Being accountable and responsible for his or her actions and activities challenges each school participant and community. Service projects give students the opportunity to demonstrate positive change and LEAD by example.

How Can YOU Help? (Individuals, social groups, churches, corporations, etc.)

We have many opportunities available for you to assist our program. These opportunities include but are not limited to: mentoring, tutoring, job-shadowing opportunities, workshop facilitation, or providing assistance with college admission and scholarship applications.

Some other opportunities to help include:

  • financial support, gift cards, event tickets
  • scholarships
  • host a “college shower” (individuals or groups) for students who are planning to attend a residential college/university.
  • volunteer social gatherings and outings
  • chaperone
  • sponsor our Leadership in Action Summer Institute
  • provide use of vans or buses

If you have any other questions or want to get involved contact:

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