HEF Newsletter – August 2026

August 28, 2026

The start of a new school year brings fresh opportunities, new goals, and endless potential. HEF is honored to support HCPS by investing in programs, resources, and experiences that help students and educators succeed. As we look ahead to another impactful year, we are grateful for the community of partners, donors, and advocates who make this work possible. None of this is possible without the support of people who believe in the power of public education. We invite you to join us in making a difference for Henrico students this year.

Jennifer Boyle
CEO
Henrico Education Foundation

See the Difference Your Donation Makes

$10 sends a student on a field trip that expands their horizons.
$20 sparks a love of reading through an inspiring author visit.
$50 transforms a teacher's innovative idea into reality.
$100 opens the door to a week of engaging after-school experiences.
$500 equips educators with professional learning that impacts entire classrooms.

Donate Today

The Henrico Alumni & Friends Fun Run/Walk 5K is coming, and it's going to be a blast! Whether you're sprinting for a personal best, strolling at a leisurely pace, or just looking for a fun morning with fellow alumni, family, and friends, this is THE event you don't want to miss! Registration price increases after August 23rd.

Join us for good energy, great company, and community spirit as we come together to celebrate what makes Henrico alumni so special. Every step you take helps power the Henrico Alumni & Friends mission by connecting generations of alumni and investing in programs and opportunities that make a real difference for students.

A Summer Packed with Adventure. Student Tested. Parent Approved

This summer, Adventure Lab students discovered that some of the best learning happens beyond classroom walls. Through unforgettable experiences at Kings Dominion, Topgolf, RVA Paddle Sports, the VMFA, the Science Museum of Virginia, and other destinations, students explored new interests, challenged themselves, and created memories that will last long after summer ended. The result? Endless smiles, unforgettable adventures, and a summer to remember.

Watch this HCPS video spotlighting their trip to Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.

"I was so grateful for the Adventure Lab and this program in particular because I knew that my kids were going to have the care they needed all day long, but also that they were going have fun and have a great summer. I think it helped put my heart at ease." - Kate Beckner, Mother of 2 Adventure Campers

Although HEF's summer labs have ended, registration is open for Learning and Discovery afterschool programs for the fall. Spots are limited so register soon.

Enroll Today

Drive Student Success: Join the Tournament & Sponsor the Cause

Get ready to Tee Off For Education on Wednesday, October 7 at beautiful Hunting Hawk Golf Club for 18 holes of golf, lunch, and a day filled with friendly competition, and opportunities to make a difference for Henrico students. Gather your foursome and sign up!

Register today to take part in raffles, contests, student participation experiences, and more. Looking for another way to get involved? Explore our variety of sponsorship opportunities, with options to fit every level of support.

Visit the Golf Tournament Webpage to register, become a sponsor, and help drive educational opportunities forward, one swing at a time.

Learning Without Limits: 21st Century Students Explore Virginia

From cave explorations and marine science labs to college campuses and civil rights landmarks, this summer was filled with discovery for 189 students enrolled in HEF’s 21st Century Program.

Students traveled beyond their neighborhoods to experience learning firsthand. Middle schoolers visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture, toured Longwood University, and explored the Moton Museum, where young people helped change the course of American history.

Younger students embarked on their own adventures, from engineering challenges at the LEGO Discovery Center and underground exploration at Luray Caverns to hands-on STEM experiences featuring NASA and Air & Space Museum exhibits. They also met marine scientists in Virginia Beach, gaining a deeper understanding of the world around them. These experiences helped students connect classroom lessons to real-life possibilities while building confidence, curiosity, and dreams for the future.

The First Step Toward a Bright Future

The path to academic success begins long before kindergarten, and access to high-quality preschool can make all the difference. Research shows that children who attend high-quality preschool enter kindergarten better prepared to learn, with stronger language, literacy, writing, and math skills. Preschool also helps young children develop the social skills, confidence, and positive learning habits that support long-term success.

Virginia Early Learning Partners (VAELP) remains committed to helping Henrico families access high-quality preschool opportunities, so every child has the support needed to be kindergarten ready. Every young learner deserves the advantage of a strong start before entering school.

How can you help?

Support VAELP's mission to increase the number of preschool seats available in Central Virginia each year.
Share VAELP resources with families seeking high-quality preschool options in Henrico County.
Support Dolly Parton's Imagination Library in Henrico and Goochland, helping children from birth to age five build home libraries and develop a lifelong love of reading.

Together, we can ensure more children begin their educational journey with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to thrive.