The month of September rings in the start of a new school year for many. Supplies are purchased, classrooms are decorated, and students, from preschool to college, return to the rhythm of hallways and homework.
But how did Danville’s next generation spend their summer? Let us take a look at the moments that made a lasting impact in the ones shaping our region’s future.
Project Hispanic Horizons
This summer, the Danville Office of Economic Development & Tourism welcomed three interns, Oscar Kemp, Tyrese Perkins, and Jackie Ruiz, to launch Project Hispanic Horizons. This initiative aimed to engage with Small-, Women-, and Minority-Owned businesses in the City of Danville to better understand their challenges and discover opportunities for growth. The group connected these small business owners to available resources, including financial, marketing, and healthcare, and procurement opportunities with the City of Danville. Engaging with over 25 businesses in their first month, the group offered a listening ear to concerns, challenges, and personal experiences.
The interns reflected, “This experience gave us the opportunity to explore the passion driving small, women, and minority-owned business owners forward here in the City of Danville. Witnessing their drive encourages us to think about our own path and career with more ambition and intention.”
Ruby B. Archie Public Library
For the past few sunny months, Danville Public Library employees were busy at work, conducting storytimes for toddlers, hosting game nights for teens, and coordinating art workshops for all the children in between. Countless children and young adults roamed the library stacks, discovering their next favorite read or taking advantage of the diverse free programming the City offers. Over 180 children attended the library’s Summer Reading Kickoff event alone.
Chrislyn Gardner, Youth Services Librarian, reflected, “At the Danville Public Library, we aim to provide our youngest community members with a safe space to explore and be imaginative. Here, we not only provide access to a wide variety of stories and subject matter, we also offer programs and activities inspired by those stories that challenge children and teens to take learning to the next level.”
Danville Visitor Center
Christiana Davis, a recent graduate of Radford University, made the Danville Visitor Center her home and classroom this summer. Here, she worked to greet visitors who were traveling through Danville and Pittsylvania County and point them to the abundant attractions and unique delights throughout the region. From distributing marketing collateral to setting up at special events, Davis spent these last few months sharpening her hospitality and customer service skills.
“As a Travel Counselor and previously an intern for the Danville Office of Economic Development & Tourism, I’ve seen how the City’s investment in young people creates real opportunities. My role in the Visitor Center has allowed me to connect with visitors, showcase what makes our city special, and grow both personally and professionally,” said Davis.
Investing in Tomorrow
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 25% of the population is below the age of 25 in the City of Danville and Pittsylvania County. With this statistic in mind, community leaders recognized that engaging with our youth is not optional; rather, this investment is essential for growth. From new arts and culture programming to hands-on internships and relevant, diverse training opportunities, the City of Danville is inspiring young minds and building brighter futures.
To learn more about the work the City is doing to invest in the next generation, visit discoverdanville.com.
