History

In 1865 the Freedmen’s Bureau established Armstrong High School for African American students in Richmond, Virginia. The school has produced notable graduates, city and state leaders throughout the years and continues to be a beacon of hope for students who seek its mission of intellectual, academic, moral and social enhancement.

Heritage

Armstrong’s heritage is rich because of the many dedicated people who have guided the development of the thousands of students who have walked the halls of the school. The Armstrong Leadership Program (ALP) has played an important role in this historic school for nearly two decades. ALP provides students with leadership training, personal development, mentoring, service projects, career and college preparation, weekend retreats, and cultural enrichment. When the program began, the graduation rate at the school was 45%. Since 2001, every one of our students has graduated, with plans and resources to attend college, vocational training, or join the workforce. Each year our small budget leverages three times its value in volunteer support and in-kind contributions from partners. As we prepare for 2020, listed are some immediate needs of the program:

• Retreats/College Tours, etc. – $35,000 a year
• Additional staffing – $30,000 (AmeriCorps and Part-time staff)
• Transportation needs -$20,000 (van purchase)
• Expansion of Case Management services- $15,000 a year

Horizons

Today, we seek your assistance in order to continue impacting lives of students who live in distressed communities filled with low expectations, where dreams are often deferred. Students have expressed how much the program has changed their lives and helped them to believe in themselves. The legacy doesn’t stop here…it should continue to thrive in the communities in which we serve. As a friend of ALP, your generosity has been appreciated over the years, however, we have more work to do to ensure that every youth receives the benefits of this ministry.

Your support is planting seeds of hope in “Cultivating a Generation…TODAY!”

• Improve attendance, grades, and resilience as students set short/long term goals.
• Engage students to become change agents through community building, social justice, and activism.
• Build the bridge to enhance social inclusion with community and corporate support throughout RVA.
• Assist with college access (fees, tours, dorm room showers, etc.) and workforce development skills to eradicate poverty with gainful employment and promising careers.
• Strive to ensure students acquire social and emotional development to overcome depression and anxiety, that many students experience as a result of severe adversity due to traumatic experiences.

In partnership with gratitude,  The Armstrong Leadership Program Staff

Give Now

Armstrong Leadership Program is an outreach program of Richmond Hill (503(c)(3).

Founded by Rev. Janie Walker and The Rev. Benjamin Campbell.

Seeking God’s healing of Metropolitan Richmond through prayer, hospitality, racial reconciliation, and spiritual development.