Summer in Hampton: Engaging Students Beyond the Classroom

In Hampton, Virginia summer is not just a break from school; it’s a time of vibrant learning and personal growth. This season, students are diving into programs designed to keep them engaged, curious, and prepared for the future. These initiatives are strategically aligned with the Portrait of a Graduate (POG) standards and community priorities, creating an enriching experience that extends far beyond the classroom.

As a Ford Next Generation Learning (Ford NGL) Community, Hampton is at the forefront of transforming education to be more relevant, engaging, and aligned with regional workforce needs. Embracing this innovative approach, Hampton City Schools has extended learning opportunities into the summer, ensuring that students continue to thrive academically and personally. Below, we explore the exciting summer offerings that are empowering students and enriching the community.

Discovering New Opportunities

For younger students in grades K-8, the summer brings new adventures through programs like the Newsome Bailey Project: Family Enrichment Camp. Imagine a lively community-based camp where high school mentors guide younger peers through weekly themes. Here, parents are not left out; they are invited to learn alongside their children, gaining insights into educational strategies, financial literacy, and more. This initiative exemplifies how involving families can enhance the educational experience, reinforcing the idea that learning is a community effort.

Another exciting addition is the Extended Enrichment Learning Summer Camp, a one-week program where students from grades 3–8 explore college, career, and life skills through unique themes and hands-on activities. Picture students bustling with excitement as they prepare final projects to present to their families and community partners. This approach highlights the importance of project-based learning, where students apply their knowledge in practical, meaningful ways.

The reinvented Enriching Summer School offers a blend of academic instruction and hands-on activities from community partners. This program ensures that students continue to grow academically while also experiencing the joy of learning through real-world applications.

High Schoolers Embrace Real-World Learning

High school students have a wealth of opportunities to explore their interests and build their skills. The Summer Business Institute, now in its fifth year, is a five-week immersive program for rising 10th-12th graders. Here, students tackle community challenges in fields like Public Service, Business IT, Technology and Engineering, or Creative Arts. Imagine the scene: students engaged in deep discussions with city leaders and CEOs, gaining insights that textbooks alone cannot provide. The program culminates in a “Gallery Walk,” a celebration of their hard work where they present their projects to the community, showcasing their newfound skills and leadership potential.

Also on the books is something for Incoming freshmen. The Summer Career College offers them a three-week introduction to the career quadrants of the Academies of Hampton. Over four-day modules, they explore fields such as Health Science, Engineering and Technology, and Creative Arts. This program gives them a head start in understanding their interests and potential career paths, making the transition to high school smoother and more purposeful.

To ease the transition from middle to high school, the Summer Bridge program prepares rising ninth graders for their new school setting. This initiative not only helps students brush up on academic skills but also introduces them to high school opportunities and expectations through fun, creative experiences.

Bridging the Gap Between Education and Industry

One of the standout opportunities for high school students is the Internship Program, a new initiative that immerses students in workplaces with both paid and unpaid positions related to their career goals. Imagine students working alongside professionals in government agencies, libraries, and community organizations, gaining real-world experience that will bolster their resumes. This program, coordinated with the Hampton Roads Workforce Council, includes pre-placement training on essential soft skills like punctuality and professional communication, ensuring students are workplace-ready.

Additionally, the Floating Classroom takes learning beyond the traditional setting, providing students with authentic STEM experiences. Picture students engaged in a boat design challenge or exploring wetlands, their faces lit up with curiosity and excitement. This program fosters critical thinking and problem-solving, enhancing students’ social and personal skills while they work on projects related to coastal resiliency and environmental protection.

Lessons Learned and Best Practices

From these dynamic programs, several key lessons and best practices emerge, offering valuable insights for those looking to enhance their own summer planning:

1. Engage Community Partnerships: Hampton City Schools’ success lies in its strong ties with community partners. Programs like the Summer Business Institute and Internship Program thrive because of collaborations with local businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies. These partnerships provide students with real-world experiences that enrich their learning and prepare them for future careers.
2. Empower Student Leadership: By promoting collaboration and leadership, students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning. Initiatives like the Newsome Bailey Project and the Floating Classroom show how empowering students to lead and collaborate can result in deeper engagement and more meaningful educational experiences.
3. Leverage Student Voice: Ensuring that students have a say in program development is crucial. Hampton’s approach involves students working closely with business professionals to identify relevant challenges and develop solutions. This not only makes the programs more relevant and engaging but also strengthens the partnership between education and industry.

Impact: Real Experiences, Real Growth

The impact of these programs is already evident. Take, for example, the Youth Sailing collaboration at Hampton High, where students developed a Youth Sailing Cadet program, enhancing their water safety and sailing skills. Or the “Breathe Easy” project at Phoebus High, where students engineered a ventilator prototype, gaining invaluable skills in design and technical drawing.

Summer programming is further impactful as it serves as a foundation for essential experiences that extend into the academic year, with students continuing their projects and collaborating with teachers and peers. They choose to continue, expand, or develop new challenges, utilizing similar research methods and business partnerships, ensuring continuity between summer and academic activities. Ultimately, students present their findings during the district-wide project-based learning (PBL) showcase, showcasing their ongoing work and achievements to the broader school community.

A Summer of Growth and Discovery

In Hampton, summer is a season of opportunity and growth. The diverse range of programs offered not only keeps students engaged but also prepares them for future academic and career success. By aligning these initiatives with strategic priorities and the POG standards, Hampton City Schools ensures that summer learning is both impactful and enjoyable.

Adding to the excitement, this fall Hampton will host Ford Next Generation Learning’s signature leadership and superintendent councils. This event, exclusive to Phase 4+ communities will bring together leaders from across the country to discuss and share best practices in transforming school through the Ford NGL community-connected learning model. Hosting these events in Hampton underscores the district’s commitment to innovation and excellence in education. It also provides a unique platform for Hampton to showcase its successful programs and strategies, offering insights and inspiration to other districts motivated to enhance the work they are doing.

To learn more about the Ford NGL, please contact Info@FordNGL.com.