Businesses and community organizations who partner with Virginia Beach City Public Schools find just as many rewards as the students and educators who benefit from the relationships.

BayPort Credit Union, Amazon and the United Way of South Hampton Roads are just a few examples of the organizations creating fruitful connections by working with the school division’s Office of Family and Community Engagement (FACE).

“It takes a village to raise a child and in VBCPS, that village includes every neighbor, mentor, and partner who believes in the power of education,” said Dr. Admon Alexander, FACE director.

BayPort Credit Union

As a platinum sponsor for the VBCPS Back to School Care Fair, BayPort Credit Union ensures Virginia Beach families have a successful start to the school year.

The event features more than 100 youth-serving community partners, with free backpacks, books and school supplies for thousands of students, as well as haircuts, vision screenings  and required school vaccinations.

BayPort held a School Supply Night at a Tides game on Aug. 6, when baseball fans were asked to bring notebooks and other supplies to donate to families in need. VBCPS Superintendent Donald E. Robertson Jr. threw out the first pitch and accepted a $25,000 check from BayPort to support the Care Fair.

The result will be about 450 pounds of school supplies donated to VBCPS families.

BayPort’s partnership also includes the new Students Teaching Students program. Students in Mr. Jason Ordonio’s class at Tallwood High taught financial literacy lessons to their younger peers at College Park and Tallwood elementary schools.

“BayPort aims to make financial literacy fun by training high school students to teach middle and elementary school students through engaging activities,” said Nancy Porter, BayPort vice president of marketing. “BayPort looks forward to expanding the success of Tallwood’s program throughout Virginia Beach City Public Schools for the 2025-26 school year.”

Amazon

Amazon partners with the Office of Family and Community Engagement to provide the school division with technology that helps develop future ready students and makes sure their families have the resources they need to succeed.

The company’s $15,000 in support provides CrunchLabs Hack Packs for the school division’s annual student competition in science, technology, engineer and mathematics (STEM). The STEM Trifecta, hosted by the Office of Technical and Career Education, includes students from elementary and secondary from across the division. The partnership also supports the FACE Mobile Resource Center  and provides Sphero robotics kits for middle school career and technical education classrooms, helping students develop their coding skills.

“Amazon has been a great supporter of the STEM Trifecta and bringing STEM learning to students at all levels,” said Dr. Sara Lockett, director of the Office of Technical and Career Education. “Their contribution through the FACE Office extends this support more students creating new opportunities for exploration and hands-on learning.”

Amazon is deeply invested in the communities where employees live and work, said Lindsay Winter, head of Virginia public policy for Amazon.

“We’re proud to contribute $15,000 to Virginia Beach Public Schools, supporting programs that will help students build the skills they need for the future. This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to being good neighbors and creating positive impact in local communities across Virginia.”

United Way of South Hampton Roads

Every school in Virginia Beach has a rack stocked with school supplies and hygiene items. Funding from United Way also supports students with emergent needs like coats, shoes and car seats.

“Our partnership with Virginia Beach City Public Schools through the Student Needs Fund reflects a powerful, shared commitment to ensuring every student has what they need to thrive both in the classroom and at home,” said Marquita Sykes, director of childhood success for the United Way.

The collaboration helped over 30,000 students in the 2024-25 school year.

“But more than numbers, it’s about our commitment to each student, ensuring that they can succeed, no matter what their circumstances,” Sykes said. “This commitment is what inspires us and gives us hope for the future of our students.”

Ready to partner with VBCPS?

The Partners in Education program supports collaborative efforts between schools and our community that promote academic success and personal growth for the division’s students.

“Every partnership is an investment in tomorrow’s workforce, where today’s students become tomorrow’s leaders, innovators, and changemakers,” Alexander said.

Your business or organization may initiate a partnership by:

• Contacting the school you wish to partner with and speaking with the school’s Community Engagement Liaison (CEL).
• Completing our online Partners in Education Information Form to be introduced to schools as a potential new partner.
• Calling the Office of Family and Community Engagement at 757.263.1799 to learn more about how your organization can become a VBCPS Partner in Education.