Richmond YPQI

Many of us have fond memories of summer camps or after-school programs. That special place or person who helped us learn, grow and expand our thinking during periods when we weren’t in school.

United Way’s Youth Program Quality Intervention (YPQI) program provides research-based training to help these programs be as good as they can possibly be.

Out-of-school time programs like camps and after-school activities play a key role in helping young people stay engaged in middle school and on track to graduate high school on time. Our YPQI program offers a research-based approach to training and development for the people who run these important programs.

Our YPQI program includes:

Quality assessments for programs to help them identify strengths and weaknesses
Development of improvement plans that create a path for programs to address growth areas
Individualized coaching to help staff execute on their improvement plan
Trainings for youth workers and program managers

Coming Soon: A Fresh Approach

Here at United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg, we believe in continuous improvement. That’s why we’re taking a fresh look at all aspects of Richmond YPQI and working on a plan to improve the program to better serve the community. We look forward to sharing more information in 2021!

History

In 2009, a needs assessment of youth program staff in the Richmond area indicated the need for increased training and development opportunities to improve the overall quality of out-of-school time programs like summer camps and after school programs. United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg responded to this need by convening local leaders and implementing a quality improvement process for youth-serving programs in our area. In the years ahead, this effort incorporated research on quality improvement programs and assessment tools. Youth Program Quality Intervention came to the Greater Richmond region in 2012 with initial support from the Forum for Youth Investment and in partnership with Hanover County Youth Services. Since 2012, Richmond YPQI has grown from five participating programs to 51 in the 2019-2020 cohort. The program was delivered in partnership with VCU’s Mary and Frances Youth Center for eight years beginning in 2012. United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg assumed full responsibility for the operation of Richmond YPQI in 2020.

Support this Program

Donate to your local United Way and help us continue offering programs that help students stay engaged in middle school. Just visit our donation page and select Middle School Engagement in response to the question, “Do you want to support an individual component of our work?”

Donate to YPQI

Contact

For more information about Richmond YPQI, contact United Way’s Frank Cardella (cardellaf@yourunitedway.org).

Learn more about our Virtual YPQI 2020-21 Program taking place is response to COVID-19.

Important Update (July 2020)

As of July 1, 2020, United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg has assumed full responsibility for the operation of Richmond YPQI. Both United Way and The Mary and Frances Youth Center remain committed to quality youth programming. Learn more.