Project Discovery capped off their program year by celebrating their
program’s successes at a special awards event in Roanoke at their 2023-24 Conference.
The keynote speaker for the ceremony was Samira R Fudge, who shared her favorite
inspirational saying, “She believed that she could, so she did,” relating it to her own journey saying "no
matter how many people told her no, she was determined to make her dreams come
true."
In addition to the honorees listed below, also highlighted was Lashonda Ellington who went through Project Discovery as a
student, began working for Project Discovery in 2004 as a coordinator, became a manager over the program, and is now the director for more than 19
sites.
2023 Project Discovery Awardees
MVP: Arlington Housing Corporation
Coordinator: Milenka Coronel Samey
The Arlington Housing Corporation has been pivotal in the social and economic development of the northern Virginia region, by providing, not only affordable housing solutions for the population in need, but also ensuring that residents have access to a robust set of resources to support them. The organization’s numerous services include after school programming, financial literacy classes, food distribution, eviction prevention and more. Their well-established education division has developed into a literacy focused program that elevates students from kindergarten to high school and beyond, which has created a long-lasting and sustainable impact in the community. Milenka accepted the award saying, “I am honored to have 8 years working with first generation students and now working with staff to empower and develop their skills to run quality programs.”
Most Improved: The Improvement Association
Coordinator: Renita Lensey
The Improvement Association mobilizes community resources to
provide comprehensive initiatives and services in several localities in rural
Southside Virginia. Since its inception, The Association has been advocating
for, and assisting, moderate to low-income families. Staff is experienced in
early childhood education, job development, housing and emergency services, and
youth services. “This was my first year working as a coordinator,” said Renita.
“The best thing about my job is working with the youth and being able to
introduce them to new experiences. Also, I like it when they say thank you for
helping me.”
Above & Beyond: STOP, Inc.
Coordinator: Carlisa Ellis
STOP’s Project Discovery Program is truly unique. In May 2018,
they took their program to the community, obtained authorization to implement
Project Discovery year-round, and held their first of four consecutive
eight-week STEM summer camps which include College preparatory workshops and
visits to college campuses. STOP also provides after-school tutoring
opportunities in the community, as well as provides volunteer opportunities. STOP’s
Program has adapted a comprehensive approach in which staff meet students where
they are, ensuring that in addition to meeting their educational needs they are
also meeting their social, emotional, and mental needs. Beginning July 2022, STOP
implemented their pilot four-week mental health summit for High School aged
students who reside in the city of Franklin, VA. Carlisa reflects, “I began
working with Project Discovery four years ago. The best part of my job is
helping my students become the best version of themselves.”
Most Creative: CAPUP Richmond
Coordinator: Melissa Richards & Gurpreet Kaur
Project Discovery’s program at CAPUP provides guidance for
students who have difficulty dealing with situations in and out of school and clarity
to the students to be able to be successful. It is a tool that shows our youth
that they have options. The program gives them a chance to explore what they
want to do outside of high school whether it be the workforce, trade school, or
a college/university. It also provides additional support in all areas of their
lives as they build positive relationships with their coordinators and peers. Melissa
says, “It has been an awesome road running CAPUP Project Discovery
Coordinator/Program Manager for 7 years. The best thing about being a
coordinator is being an active part of making a child and parents dreams a
reality.”
Most Active Advisory Board: Williamsburg-James City County Community Action
Coordinators: Jana Shelton & Felicia Norman
Advancing Community Excellence meets the unique educational
needs of the whole family beginning with enrollment in the Head Start PREP
Academy and extending to participation in the Project Discovery Program. We are
building a partnership with families from to increase economic security across
the Williamsburg-James City County area. Jana reflects, ““After working as a
coordinator for one year, it has been the best to see my Head Start children,
now in high school. I enjoy hearing them say, ‘You were my teacher in high
school.’ Now I have the pleasure to guide them further through Project
Discovery.”
Outstanding Achievement: STEP, Inc.
Coordinator: Janet Osborne
STEP, Inc., uses a holistic approach when looking at the
needs of the entire family. The Project Discovery program works with students
in grades 6-12 helping them to make their post-secondary goals become a reality
by assisting with tutoring, goal setting, time management, career exploration,
college preparation, applications, scholarships, college/trade school
admissions, financial aid, building good study habits, providing apprenticeship
and job shadowing, well planned curriculum workshops, community service
projects, field trip, guest speaker, campus visit, military branch career, and other opportunities. Janet shares, “As a
second-year coordinator, the best thing about my job is helping youth to
develop skills, expand knowledge, and gain successful access to THEIR
post-secondary dreams.”
Project Discovery, Inc., is organized as a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit Statewide Community Action Agency governed by a Board of Directors representing the public, private, and low-income sectors. Project Discovery is a community-based program that addresses the problem of unequal access to higher education for first-generation college students. Program activities (primarily academic support, counseling, goal-oriented workshops, activities, and campus visits) help middle school and high school students set goals for their lives, increase self-esteem, and become the first in their family to go to and graduate from college. Approximately 2,750 participants are served each year.