BayPort Announces $25,000 Sponsorship Newport News Public Schools’ Office of Youth Development, Family and Community Engagement Division

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., February 27, 2025 – BayPort Credit Union announced the $25,000 sponsorship of Newport News Public Schools’ Office of Youth Development, Family and Community Engagement division for the 2024 to 2025 academic school year. This division of Newport News Public Schools provides research-based programs and initiatives to increase family and community engagement.

The division’s Family Empowerment Series is a quarterly program and will be used to address critical issues affecting families. BayPort is an official sponsor of the series, which includes programs such as Your Mental Health Matters held in October 2024 and Wellness Wins in May 2025.

Two youth empowerment conferences have been held under BayPort’s sponsorship. The More Than a Princess Girls’ Empowerment Conference was held in November 2024 and the RISE! Male Empowerment Conference was held in February 2025. Both events were well attended with over 1,400 students participating.

“We are incredibly grateful for BayPort Credit Union’s generous $25,000 sponsorship, which directly supports our mission to empower students and engage families. Their commitment to our youth development and family engagement initiatives makes a meaningful impact in our schools and community. This partnership allows us to expand critical programs that uplift and inspire our students, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities needed to thrive,” said Dr. Michele Mitchell, Superintendent, Newport News Public Schools.

BayPort’s remaining funds will be used to establish a youth development grant that will be made available to schools to cover expenses associated with meaningful school-based youth development projects. There will be a process for requesting the grant, which will start at a maximum of $300 to support the 40+ schools, Enterprise Academy and Juvenile Detention.

“BayPort is honored to make this contribution to Newport News Public Schools. We are committed to ensuring the overall health and wellbeing of our local community by ensuring local kids and their families are empowered and engaged,” said Jim Mears, President/CEO, BayPort Credit Union. 

Newport News Public Schools’ Office of Youth Development, Family and Community Engagement division prioritizes decision making, authentic relationships, child advocacy, student success, and effective communication with the community. BayPort supports their mission in creating a culture that engages every student and their family.

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