Richmond youths ages 14 to 16 will have the opportunity to learn chess and compete in a tournament this month through Bright Minds RVA Chess Classes and Tournament, a pilot program set up by the Bernice E. Travers Foundation.

Students will learn the game in two weeks through classes taught 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Aug. 16, through Thursday, Aug. 19, and again, Monday, Aug. 23, through Thursday, Aug. 26.

The classes will lead to a tournament to be held 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 27.

The classes and tournament will be held at the Black History Museum and Cultural Center of Virginia, 122 W. Leigh St. in Jackson Ward. Lunch and snacks will be provided daily, along with Black history education and museum tours.

Instructors are Fleming E. Samuels, a retired Rich- mond Public Schools administrator, who also will serve as tournament director, and Dr. Theodore Andrews of Hampton University.

Monetary prizes and awards will be presented to the three top winners of the tournament, while all participants will receive framed certificates and membership in the Bright Minds RVA Chess Club.

The pilot program is the brainchild of Mr. Fleming and Bernice Travers of the foundation. Other partners include the Black History Museum, Richmond Public Schools, GRTC, Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority and other community leaders.

Students can ride GRTC free to the museum to participate in the program.

Participation is limited to 40 students.

To enroll, contact brightmindschessclub@gmail.com or call Ms. Travers at (804) 814-4434.