STAUNTON, VA (Rocktown Now) — On the Road Collaborative, a nonprofit youth empowerment organization, is hitting the road—literally and figuratively—with a major expansion into Staunton. Backed by a $300,000, three-year grant from American Student Assistance, the organization will launch its evidence-based afterschool and out-of-school programs at Shelburne Middle School this fall.

Beginning in early 2024, On the Road initiated a search for a school division partner that not only aligned with its mission but also valued authentic collaboration. That vision quickly came into focus through conversations with Staunton City Schools, where leaders immediately saw the potential of the partnership.

“At the same time that we began our search, Stephanie Haskins, Director of Instruction for Staunton City Schools, was envisioning ways to support students across SCS, especially those who might be at-risk,” said On the Road’s leadership in a recent update. “From the first conversation, the folks at Staunton City Schools have been just that—true collaborators.”

Haskins applied for a state-funded extended school year grant, aiming to bolster out-of-school learning opportunities. Both organizations saw this as the ideal moment to bring empowering, enrichment-focused programming to the youth of Staunton.

The expansion to Shelburne Middle School marks On the Road’s first site in Staunton and adds to its growing regional presence, which includes existing programs in Harrisonburg and Waynesboro.

Principal Lisa Warren and her team at Shelburne have already offered a warm welcome, and planning for the fall launch is well underway. Longtime On the Road staff member Kishia Taylor, who brings eight years of experience with the organization, will lead operations at the new site. She has already begun forming relationships with students and families as the school year approaches.