Information For Parents

At Podium, we strive to give youth a space where they can authentically be themselves and develop as not only a writer and communicator, but as a person. Podium programs work to elicit peer engagement and creative expression.
Parents of youth in our programs are contacted regularly to keep them up to date on how their child is doing and the amazing things they’ve accomplished. We would love to serve your family and have you as part of ours.
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Current Program Locations

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Interested in joining a program?
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Youth Community Centers

Petersburg Boys & Girls Club, Henrico Oak Avenue Complex, Hopewell Community Center, The Well

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Middle Schools
Dogwood MS, Henderson MS, Boushall MS, Fairfield MS, Brookland MS
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High Schools
Richmond HS for the Arts, Armstrong HS, Huguenot HS
Download Our 1-Pager to Learn More

See What Parents and Youth Participants Are Saying About Our Programs

  • “When I write my mood changes because I'm finally able to release my emotions."

    Sha'nya

    Lucille Brown MS

  • “To me, writing is an extension of myself and life. It'll always be a part of my life. Podium has helped me learn to share my work with others instead of keeping it to myself.”

    Jasmine

    Henderson MS

  • “I've always had trouble expressing myself and getting people to listen to me, but when I'm writing, I don't have that problem.”

    Kamari

    Thomas Jefferson HS

  • “I have seen the impact Podium RVA had on my daughter Destiny over the past four years, and it continues in college. She built confidence in her ability as an artist to share with her peers, growing to be the fine young lady she is today. Being in Podium is like family. As a parent I was able to speak on the last open mic of my daughter’s senior year. I am so blessed to see the impact it had on me as a parent.”

    Chantel Hall

    Proud parent and Podium supporter for life

  • “Y'all do a great job. I signed my child up for a few different online classes during quarantine, and Podium more than any other seemed to engage students deeply!"

    Adria S.

    Podium parent

Family Resources

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Computer / Tech Help

If you need technology assistance, please contact our Help Desk. Please provide as much of the following information as possible:

  • parent name
  • student name
  • contact telephone number
  • school
  • RPS tag number of the device

CONTACT THE HELP DESK

CLICK HERE FOR MORE TECH SUPPORT

Struggling with addiction?
Disorders.org provides a 24/7 confidential helpline and an extensive list of free addiction resources for those in Richmond, VA.

Resources for caregivers and families

Student Wellness and Mental Health Support

Please note the resources below and remember that we love you here and you are not alone.
  • Students who need emergency mental health support should call the Richmond Behavioral Health Authority at (804) 819-4100 or the ChildSavers Immediate Response line at (804) 305-2420 (or send a text to 741741).
  • Latinos in Virginia Empowerment Center provides education, advocacy, and support to Spanish-speaking individuals affected by violence. The 24/7 hotline in Spanish is (888) 969-1825.
  • The Trauma Healing Response Network is a coalition of grassroots, community-based organizations and mental health partners that provide support services to families and communities impacted by gun violence. The network can also facilitate the distribution of emergency relief funds to help those in crisis. For more information, email traumahealingresponsenetwork@gmail.com.
  • RPS employees in need of emergency support should contact the Cigna 24/7 Crisis Line at (833) ME-CIGNA, or (833) 632-4462. Additional counseling and support services are also available through the Cigna Employee Assistance (EAP) program by calling (800) 544-6931.

Request a Podium Program in Your Community

Interested in sponsoring workshops and programs at your school or community center?
Request a Program