Students are divided into groups that participate in site visits to more than a dozen city organizations and programs that serve the homeless, foster children, individuals with special needs, youths experiencing mental illness, veterans of war and those who use public transportation, as well as caring for the environment, city parks, the James River and more.

Our students form groups and assess what they've learned, then use design thinking methods to collaborate on strategic improvements for some of the issues they've encountered. At week's end, they formally present their recommendations to the community leaders whose programs they've visited.

While the 8th Graders' work may seem hypothetical, the business leaders, nonprofit organizations and community organizers who have spent time with them during the week are vested in hearing our students' ideas and sharing their expertise with our students about the importance of collaboration and creativity in developing positive solutions.

Throughout the 8th Grade year, the student teams continue to collaborate in designing a follow-up project to execute on a daylong celebration in April. Students are asked how they might positively impact this issue on this day, and create a project for their group, giving back to the community and organizations that helped them learn so much.

To learn more about Envision Richmond and our other Capstone programs, click here.