National test scores show Virginia students have experienced extensive learning loss in recent years. A new program announced Nov. 3 by Gov. Glenn Youngkin seeks to help at-risk students recover.

The initiative is a tutoring partnership between the Urban Leagues of Hampton Roads and Greater Richmond and four HBCUs: Norfolk State University, Hampton University, Virginia State University and Virginia Union University. It will employ HBCU students as tutors and mentors to high school and middle school students throughout their communities.

“We were pleased to have Gov. Glenn Youngkin announce the Urban League and HBCU Tutoring Partnership on the campus of the Norfolk State University,” said Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston, president of Norfolk State University. “This is a great start to begin closing the learning gap that occurred during the pandemic and beyond. We are excited about the possibilities this partnership will bring.”

Virginia Secretary of Education Aimee Rogstad Guidera said the Urban League-HBCU Tutoring Partnership will ensure that every child is seen, supported and back on track for success.

Virginia Union University President Dr. Hakim J. Lucas agrees.

“Every university is seeing that students need more help after a pandemic that has been hard on everyone,” he said. “We also know that the seeds of success in college are planted long before students arrive on campus, and that’s just one reason why Virginia Union University has committed to full-ride scholarships for public school students in Richmond and Henrico.

“The announcement expands this work even further, and we are proud to partner with the Urban League and Governor Youngkin to help even more young people.”

Representatives of the Urban Leagues of Hampton Roads and Greater Richmond called the initiative a “huge step toward supporting underserved and marginalized children and young adults in the urban core cities” and one that will “connect resources and services for the most ‘at-promise’ students in Virginia.”