BayPort Credit Union Boosts Newport News Schools with $25,000 Sponsorship

BayPort Credit Union Boosts Newport News Schools

In a remarkable commitment to community engagement, BayPort Credit Union recently declared a sponsorship worth $25,000 for the Newport News Public Schools' Office of Youth Development, Family and Community Engagement for the 2024-2025 academic year. This initiative aims to bolster various innovative programs designed to empower families and enhance student engagement within the school district.

The Office of Youth Development, part of Newport News Public Schools, is dedicated to implementing research-driven programs and initiatives that foster stronger connections between families and the community. One of the highlights of this office is the Family Empowerment Series, a quarterly event focusing on addressing pressing issues families face. With BayPort as its official sponsor, the series will host critical programs such as "Your Mental Health Matters" scheduled for October 2024 and "Wellness Wins" in May 2025. These programs promise to offer valuable resources and support to families in the community and elevate mental health awareness and wellness initiatives.

Moreover, BayPort's sponsorship has facilitated two significant youth empowerment conferences. The first, titled "More Than a Princess," was held in November 2024, designed to inspire young girls with messages of empowerment and self-worth. The second event, the "RISE! Male Empowerment Conference," took place in February 2025, encouraging young males to engage actively in their personal growth and development. Both conferences attracted impressive participation, collectively engaging over 1,400 students and emphasizing the importance of youth empowerment and leadership.

Dr. Michele Mitchell, the Superintendent of Newport News Public Schools, expressed immense gratitude towards BayPort for its generous sponsorship, highlighting how vital such partnerships are for their mission to enhance student and family engagement. "We are incredibly grateful for BayPort's support, which will directly empower our mission. This partnership allows us to expand critical programs that uplift and inspire our students, ensuring they have the resources needed to thrive," she stated.

Beyond the sponsorship, BayPort also allocates a portion of the funds to establish a Youth Development Grant. This grant will aim to assist schools in funding meaningful development projects specific to youth needs. Schools can apply for these grants with initial funding requests starting at a maximum of $300, benefiting over 40 schools under the Newport News Public Schools umbrella, including the Enterprise Academy and Juvenile Detention facilities.

"BayPort is honored to contribute to Newport News Public Schools. Our commitment goes beyond financial support; we are dedicated to the health and wellbeing of our local community by ensuring kids and their families are engaged and empowered," asserted Jim Mears, President/CEO of BayPort Credit Union.

The Office of Youth Development within Newport News Public Schools emphasizes making impactful decisions, fostering genuine relationships, advocating for children, ensuring student success, and improving communication with the community. Through their collaborative efforts, BayPort supports their mission to create an inclusive culture that involves every student and their family.

Founded in 1928 by a group of shipyard workers seeking reliable financial services, BayPort Credit Union has evolved significantly. Today, it proudly manages around $2.6 billion in assets while providing services to more than 154,000 individuals and businesses across 29 branches in Virginia's Peninsula and Southside areas. Rated a Superior 5-Star Credit Union by Bauer Financial, BayPort continues to prioritize community development and support educational initiatives, ensuring a lasting positive impact on its local community.