🎓 Join UPrep Today!
Educate. Empower. Elevate.
"Bridging OST Learning with College, Careers, and Lifelong Opportunities."
Educate. Empower. Elevate.
"Bridging OST Learning with College, Careers, and Lifelong Opportunities."
Empowering Future Leaders at Virginia University Preparatory
Our Mission
"Virginia University Preparatory is dedicated to bridging the gap between education and opportunity by providing out-of-school time (OST) programs that prepare students for college, careers, and lifelong success. Through STEM, liberal arts, and mentorship, we empower students with the skills, resources, and support they need to navigate their future—whether in higher education, skilled trades, or entrepreneurial ventures. Our goal is to build a strong community where every student has access to the tools needed to achieve their full potential."
Imagination Summer Program – Virginia Tech
In partnership with Virginia University Preparatory (UPrep)
Imagination invites students to explore the world of science, technology, and engineering—not by watching, but by doing. Through hands-on activities, participants engage in the engineering design process, building their own devices while discovering the many pathways within engineering.
Rising 7th and 8th graders are invited to apply. Preference is given to first-time applicants.
Through this partnership, Virginia University Preparatory (UPrep) will provide guidance and support to students throughout the application process.
Imagination offers three weeklong sessions on the Blacksburg campus of Virginia Tech, with daily programming from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Program Sessions
- Session 1: Aerospace Engineering
Students will build, fly, and take home their own drone.
Residential only. - Sessions 2 & 3: Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE)
Students will complete hands-on ECE projects such as building a video game console or digital camera, including instruction in soldering and circuitry.
Day and residential options available.
2026 Session Dates
- June 14 – June 20, 2026
Drone Build & Fly — Residential Only - June 22 – June 26, 2026
ECE Focus - June 29 – July 3, 2026
ECE Focus
Important Dates
- Applications Open: Now
- Application Deadline: March 29, 2026
- Decision Notifications: April 17, 2026
Upcoming Events
Join us for our annual Youth Leadership Conference on March 20th. This year's theme is 'Empowering the Next Generation'.
2026-2027 COURSE OFFERINGS
UPREP ENGINEERING
UPrep Engineering is a hands-on STEM program that teaches students practical engineering and problem-solving skills through real-world projects. Participants learn tool use, basic construction, design, and teamwork while building and testing their own creations. Offered during the summer and through year-round programs, UPrep Engineering also provides partnership opportunities with Virginia Tech, giving students exposure to college-level engineering experiences and helping them see themselves as future leaders in STEM.through structured training and positive mentorship. The program promotes confidence, accountability, and lifelong healthy habits on and off the field.
UPREP POLO
UPrep Polo reimagines the traditional sport by combining athletic skill, balance, and innovation through the use of electric unicycles. This high-energy program challenges students to develop coordination, core strength, agility, and strategic teamwork while mastering safe electric mobility. More than just a sport, UPrep Polo builds confidence, discipline, and problem-solving as participants learn riding techniques, game strategy, and equipment safety. By blending emerging technology with competitive play, the program introduces students to a futuristic sport experience that promotes fitness, focus, and fearless learning.
UPREP ATHLETICS
UPREP SPEECH & DEBATE
UPrep Athletics is a youth development program that uses sports and physical activity to build discipline, teamwork, and leadership. Students develop fitness skills, learn the importance of health and wellness, and strengthen character through structured training and positive mentorship. The program promotes confidence, accountability, and lifelong healthy habits on and off the field.
UPREP SPEECH & DEBATE
UPREP SPEECH & DEBATE
UPREP SPEECH & DEBATE
UPrep Speech and Debate is a student-centered program that builds confidence, communication, and critical thinking skills. Participants learn how to speak clearly, express ideas effectively, and respectfully defend their viewpoints. Through debates, presentations, and public speaking activities, students develop leadership, self-advocacy, and academic readiness for school and beyond.
UPREP PRE-MED
UPREP SPEECH & DEBATE
UPREP INFLUENCER
The UPrep Pre-Med Pathway prepares students for careers in healthcare by connecting them directly to volunteer opportunities, medical exposure, and hands-on learning experiences. Through partnerships with local hospitals, clinics, and community health organizations, students gain early insight into the medical field while developing professionalism, empathy, and clinical awareness. Participants engage in health-related service projects, career exploration, mentorship, and foundational pre-med skill building—creating a strong pipeline from high school to college and into medical and allied health professions.
UPREP INFLUENCER
UPREP SPEECH & DEBATE
UPREP INFLUENCER
The UPrep Influencer Lab is a hands-on digital leadership course that teaches students how to build their voice, brand, and business in today’s media-driven world. Students learn content creation, personal branding, digital marketing strategy, audience engagement, and ethical online influence while developing real-world skills in communication, entrepreneurship, and critical thinking. Through project-based learning, participants create original content, analyze engagement data, and build a professional digital portfolio—gaining the confidence and strategy needed to lead both online and in their communities.
CITY OF RICHMOND POSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
MILES & MENTORS
Miles & Mentors is UPrep’s movement-based mentorship program that pairs students with positive adult role models through structured running, fitness training, and goal-setting experiences. The program uses physical activity as a vehicle for building discipline, resilience, and meaningful relationships. Participants train together, set personal milestones, engage in reflective conversations, and prepare for community race events—learning that progress in fitness mirrors progress in life. Miles & Mentors strengthens both the body and the mindset, reinforcing accountability, leadership, and long-term success.
