The Valley Scholars program serves first-generation, financially eligible students, who are motivated and show academic promise in middle school and throughout high school. Current partner school districts include Augusta County, Harrisonburg City, Page County, Rockingham County, Shenandoah County, Staunton City, and Waynesboro City Schools. After completing the application and interview process, students are selected in the spring of the 7th grade year, with program participation beginning in the 8th grade.

The program offers educational and cultural enrichment opportunities with several program days occurring throughout the academic year. Students also attend a week long summer camp for the summers between 9th and 11th grades.  The central focus of the program is to foster and encourage a desire to learn, while also building skills that will help students achieve the academic success necessary for college attendance.

Mission

The Valley Scholars program provides outreach activities to first generation middle and high school students, engaging them in educational enrichment activities designed to increase awareness and access to institutions of higher education with the goal of providing scholarship support for students admitted to and attending James Madison University.

Vision

To provide educational opportunities that inspire, motivate and educate, while producing Valley Scholars who will be both leaders in the classroom and community.