Upcoming Events

The Community Foundation’s data and research center, Insight Region^®, invites you to a dynamic series of deep-dive sessions where we’ll uncover the key factors shaping our upcoming 2025 Children & Youth Report.

Join us for an important webinar focused on the safety and health of youth in Northern Virginia (NOVA), with a special emphasis on critical issues affecting students today. This session will explore: feelings of safety at school, death by suicide prevalence and risk, and substance use trends. 

Our Children

Creating Safe, Supportive Futures for Northern Virginia’s Youth

The health and safety of youth in Northern Virginia are at risk.

According to the 2023 Virginia Health Survey, 13.2% of students avoided school due to safety concerns, and 17% of high school students reported bullying. Death by suicide is now the 2nd leading cause of death for children aged 10-14.

On March 25, 2025, the Shape of the Region Conference will address how to create safer spaces for youth, combat bullying, prevent substance abuse, and improve mental health access. Insight Region^® will share data on our region’s youth. Join us for a guided discussion with experts as we explore solutions that can help empower youth to  thrive and build a brighter future in Northern Virginia.

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Tuesday, March 25, 2025 | Hybrid Event

7:30 am: Breakfast & Registration (in-person)
8:30 – 11:30 am: Conference Program (hybrid)
Valo Park Auditorium
7950 Jones Branch Drive
McLean, VA 22102

IN-PERSON REGISTRATION - $75: in-person. Breakfast begins at 7:30am.
VIRTUAL REGISTRATION - $25: Zoom Webinar (Link to be shared upon registration)

SPONSORSHIPS AVAILBLE

The Level the Field Fund are hosting a book club featuring New York Times bestselling author, Victoria Christopher Murray, who will discuss her most recent book, The Personal Librarian, as well as her experiences as an alum of Hampton University. Hampton is one of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities that Level the Field Fund partners with to provide last-dollar scholarships to seniors in need of funds in order to graduate. Copies of Ms. Murray’s books will be available for purchase and signing, with 15% of book sale proceeds to go to the fund. Refreshments will be served.

The Community Foundation’s data and research center, Insight Region^®, invites you to a dynamic series of deep-dive sessions where we’ll uncover the key factors shaping our upcoming 2025 Children & Youth Report.

This in-depth session will continue our January conversation in a more focused lense. We will dive deeper into the critical issues affecting the safety and well-being of youth in Northern Virginia (NOVA), providing a comprehensive exploration of the complex factors influencing students today. Building on foundational topics, we’ll examine key challenges surrounding students' perceptions of safety, mental health concerns, and substance use trends in the region.

The Community Foundation’s data and research center, Insight Region^®, invites you to a dynamic series of deep-dive sessions where we’ll uncover the key factors shaping our upcoming 2025 Children & Youth Report.

Join us for an in-depth discussion on the growing issue of food scarcity among youth in Northern Virginia. This session will explore the complex factors contributing to food insecurity in the region, the impact it has on the health and well-being of local young people, and the innovative solutions being implemented to address this critical issue.

The Community Foundation’s data and research center, Insight Region^®, invites you to a dynamic series of deep-dive sessions where we’ll uncover the key factors shaping our upcoming 2025 Children & Youth Report.

In this session, we will explore the critical issue of housing instability among youth in Northern Virginia, a growing challenge that impacts their overall well-being, educational outcomes, and future opportunities. With rising housing costs and a lack of affordable options, many young people in the region are facing uncertainty and insecurity in their living situations. Key topics will include the scope of housing instability in NOVA, impact on youth development, identifying their needs, and community solutions working to address this widespread issue. 

The Community Foundation’s data and research center, Insight Region^®, invites you to a dynamic series of deep-dive sessions where we’ll uncover the key factors shaping our upcoming 2025 Children & Youth Report.

As students in Northern Virginia head back to school, it's the perfect time to take a closer look at the educational performance of youth in the region. This session will explore key factors influencing academic success, challenges facing students, and the support systems that can help improve educational outcomes for all learners. Key topics will include: current trends in educational performance, barriers to success, support systems and interventions, and collaborative solutions.