North Tidewater News

Mayor Phillip Jones recently announced the City of Newport News' unprecedented commitment to youth empowerment and support. The Newport News Youth T.H.R.I.V.E. initiative will utilize over $500 million in current investments for a wide range of youth programs and services. Additionally, over $500 million has been allocated for similar programs in the Fiscal Year 2025 Operating and Capital Budgets.

“The center of gravity of Newport News is our youth and I believe strongly in the power of youth engagement,” said Jones. “They are crucial in fostering a vibrant and thriving community and represent the future of our city. I am proud that City Council and our community partners have joined with me in securing this unprecedented funding to ensure that the youth of this city have the resources and opportunities to be successful in a 21st Century workforce and in life.”

In his State of the City address in March, Mayor Jones declared this year as the Year of the Youth. This call to action signaled his commitment to providing unwavering support and programs to provide youth with opportunities and tools needed for their success. Area leaders representing businesses, faith-based communities, Newport News Public Schools, and non-profit organizations have stepped up significantly to assist with this historic undertaking.

Youth T.H.R.I.V.E., built on three pillars - Transforming Hearts, Renewing Investment, Valuing Empowerment - embodies a holistic approach to fostering area youth development. The program's successful implementation lies within its tenets: creating a supportive environment where every young person feels valued; leveraging the city’s financial investment to offer enhanced programming that provides young people with knowledge, workforce skills, expanded access to opportunities; reducing youth unemployment; increasing leadership opportunities; empowering youth voices and engagement.

According to Jones, the city’s financial investment includes transformative capital projects, innovative programmatic endeavors, and strategic partnerships. With this investment, he stated we are laying the foundation for future success of our youth while reaffirming our commitment to building a strong community for all.

For additional information on YOUTH T.H.R.I.V.E., Youth Career Program (YCP), Friday Night Nets, and other programs, visit https://www.nnva.gov/2983/Youth-Initiative.