Virginia Governor Ralph Northam recognized two Virginia Beach Education Foundation (VBEF) sponsors at the 2018 Governor’s Volunteerism and Community Service Awards during a ceremony April 10. These awards, presented to nine organizations and businesses, honor outstanding groups of Virginians who exemplify the spirit of service, foster skills of social responsibility, and demonstrate sustained commitment to meeting community needs.
RRMM Architects was named Outstanding Corporation. Throughout the year, volunteers from RRMM Architects donate countless hours to Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) and VBEF. Staff utilizes their talents and skills by volunteering to work with students in the planning and design of major projects. Most recently, students collaborated on a major replacement project, the Old Donation School building. Students were consulted to explore various innovative building practices – from sustainable building practices to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) concepts.
Quality Stone Concepts was named Outstanding Small Business. For nearly a decade, Quality Stone Concepts’ owners and employees have volunteered with VBEF mentoring students enrolled in construction courses at the school division’s Technical and Career Education Center. Quality Stone Concepts’ certified contractors mentor plumbing, carpentry, and electrical students. Students complete industry certifications, making them highly qualified for employment after high school graduation. Teachers estimate that more than 20,000 students will benefit from these creative learning and job development opportunities.
VBEF is a non-profit organization that provides private sector support for teachers by funding innovative and creative learning programs not funded by traditional curriculum budgets. The mission of VBEF is to ensure students have every possible advantage for success. Additional information about VBEF can be found online at http://www.vbef.org
For more information about the awards visit http://virginiaservice.virginia.gov/.