Breaking the Cycle: How Project Discovery Improves the Lives of Students

Imagine how difficult it would be to have an interest in finishing high school or going on to college without the solid and consistent guidance of someone who’s done it before you.

Project Discovery (PD) is a community-based program that addresses this generational challenge. Our attention is focused on helping middle school and high school students embrace the value of their education so they’re more likely to graduate and go on to college or other meaningful and productive paths.

One Wonderful Story

When we first met Saundra, she was unsure about her plans after high school. Starting work in “the real world” seemed overwhelming given her life experience. A couple of campus tours with Project Discovery, and her eyes were opened. 

“I’m going to college.”

Then came the challenges of that decision–navigating the college application process, getting accepted, financial aid applications, scholarship eligibility, and physically getting to college (transportation). The Project Discovery team was there to help with all of it. 

This fall, Saundra will attend Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, VA. She’ll be the first person in her family to go to college.

The Reality

Across our communities, there are too many talented young people without role models to help guide them through their education and into adulthood. Without guidance, some will drop out of school, and too many will not even consider college, vocational school, or other meaningful options.

How We Help

Project Discovery helps students from 6th to 12th grade by providing comprehensive tools and development that increase the chances of finishing school and going on to college and/or a meaningful career.

Through organized activities and one-on-one support, students develop stronger self-esteem and learn to better handle the challenges they face. We also work with them on time management, financial literacy, resume writing, mock interviews, and college tours.

This fiscal year, our goal is to help improve the lives of 150 students in Richmond and our surrounding service areas.

How You Can Help

When you invest in Project Discovery as a donor or volunteer, you’re not just supporting one student—you’re investing in families and communities. Every student who becomes the first in their family to attend college creates a new awareness for siblings, cousins, and future generations. And, they return to their communities as teachers, healthcare workers, business leaders, and changemakers, multiplying your impact exponentially.

Ready to change a life? Here’s how you can get involved: Project Discovery.