Looking to give back? Spend this summer as a mentor! 

January is National Mentoring Month, and Richmond's Office of Community Wealth Building has a way for local organizations to celebrate: Become a partner for the YouthWorks RVA summer program!

The City's Youth Engagement Services (Y.E.S) works year-round to recruit community partners to host or hire Richmond's young people for six-week internships over the summer.

Program Coordinator Erika Love is deeply committed to the success of the program. In fact, she spent three summers as a youth intern herself back when the program was called the Mayor's Youth Academy!

"All my placements were meaningful," Erika shares, "but it was during my third summer, when I interned for the City in the DCAO's office, that everything shifted. That experience changed the trajectory of my life. I grew up in Fairfield Court, and without programs like this, I'm not sure what my path would have looked like. I carry that with me every day when I'm working with young people."

The program's success each year depends on having a solid roster of community organizations and City agencies who are ready to welcome and support our youth. Erika says organizations can apply to host-they work with their intern, but the person is paid through the City's Y.E.S funding-or to hire. When organizations hire interns directly, it frees up program funds to support even more youth and gives interns a more hands-on, immersive work experience.

Whether an organization chooses to hire or host, every intern gains more than a placement. They receive career advising, meaningful exposure to professional environments, and hands-on learning that helps turn potential into confidence and direction. Supervisors, in turn, are equipped with the tools to mentor, guide, and support the next generation of the workforce with intention.

"It's about connection," Erika says. "This generation is different in all the best ways. When we are willing to meet them where they are, create space for real learning and exposure, and truly listen, we don't just prepare them for work, we help shape their future and see lasting impact in their lives."

Erika shares that she's often seen these internships lead to part or full-time work for some of the program participants. These pathways, she says, are what community wealth building is all about. "Our goal is to help people build wealth in every aspect and to drive solutions that expand opportunities. We cannot forget that youth are a part of the population who need to be part of this bigger project."

If you're ready to be a mentor and help shape the future of our youth, you can apply to host or hire by February 13. Email Erika at erika.love@rva.gov to learn about your options!

Fun fact: One of Erika's most influential mentors still works at the City! "One of my first mentors was Carla Childs, and now I get to call her a colleague and a friend. When I work with our youth, I want to be the person that Carla was for me."