The Northern Virginia Urban League has successfully integrated the Math & Science Technology Academy into its Youth Development out of school time program, serving youth in grades 6-12. The Math and Science Technology Academy is a supplemental academic service, providing additional academic support to low- to moderate-income youth, while encouraging youth to actively engage in STEM related subjects in school.

Ambriel Hurst, age 12, 6th Grader at Jefferson Houston Middle School. Ambirel is a participant in our Math & Science program at the Charles Houston community center. Ambriel has persevered through the harsh conditions of her community and surroundings to continue being an absolute peer role model for the other youth struggling with their surroundings in this low income neighborhood. Not only does she maintain a high standard of etiquette and age appropriate behavior, she maintains an 'A' average on her report cards. She is an awesome student who is constantly involved in our STEM activities and is always readily available to learn. Recently, she was chosen to be filmed alongside the Program Coordinator of the Northern Virginia Urban League in the Computer Lab working on a STEM activity, for the Annual Scholarship Awards dinner for which the theme this year is STEM.

Lacy Parker, age 18, Graduate, TC Williams High School. Lacy has truly been an inspiration to the Youth the Math & Science Technology Academy serves through our partnership with the Juvenile Justice. Lacy originally came to the Youth Services division of the NVUL through an infraction with the law and a court mandate. This was 4 years ago, 2007. He has been the keynote speaker at the DTRT honors event and has spoken on behalf of the services received from the NVUL before the Alexandria City Council. Lacy has since graduated from high school and, through assistance from the Youth Services Coordinator, has begun the YEAR Up program of the National Capital Region. Within a year, Lacy will have received his certification and college credits that are transferable to Northern Virginia Community College.