Richmond Forum Scholars Program

Geographic Scope: Richmond, Virginia region (high school juniors from regional schools)

Focus Areas: Leadership development, civic engagement, public speaking, intellectual curiosity, networking with national and international leaders

Program Description:
A selective volunteer program for five of the region's highest-achieving and most impressive high school juniors to work behind-the-scenes at The Richmond Forum's speaker series and interact with national and international leaders.

Eligibility:

• High school juniors only
• Active interest in leadership and volunteering
• Strong academic achievement (competitive GPA)
• Ability to juggle multiple extra-curricular activities
• Maturity and comfort working/interacting with adults
• Demonstrated leadership through community involvement

What the Program Includes:

• Volunteer positions at five annual Richmond Forum programs
• Pairing with featured speakers of choice
• Behind-the-scenes involvement in forum operations
• Attendance at corporate dinners with VIP guests
• Introduction of speakers to Student Room audiences
• Moderation of Q&A discussions with speakers
• Networking with other high-achieving students and alumni
• Building confidence in public speaking and leadership
• Exposure to diverse viewpoints from various speakers and guests

Application Competitiveness:

• Attracts 40-50 applicants annually
• Pool is increasingly competitive
• Selection based on academic excellence, leadership potential, and demonstrated initiative

Alumni Network:

• Scholars have attended Yale, Harvard, Stanford, Columbia, and other prestigious universities

Contact:

• Sandra Wheeler, Director of Student Programs
• The Richmond Forum
• 110 South 15th Street Suite B
• Richmond, VA 23219
• Office: (804) 330-3993
• Office Hours: 9am – 5pm

Organization: The Richmond Forum is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) educational organization and America's largest nonprofit speaker series.

How to Apply

1. Eligibility Check: Confirm you are a high school junior at a school in the Richmond region
2. Application Materials:
   • Application form
   • Video essay component
   • Academic resume highlighting GPA, honors, and achievements
   • Record of leadership involvement and volunteer work
   • Demonstration of interest in current events and civic engagement
3. Application Process:
   • Submit application through The Richmond Forum website
   • Include information about academic achievements, extra-curricular activities, and leadership roles
   • Complete required video essay
   • Application typically takes significant time to prepare (approximately 20 hours)
4. Selection Timeline:
   • Applications reviewed annually
   • Selections made for the upcoming school year
5. Contact for Questions:
   • Sandra Wheeler, Director of Student Programs
   • Office: (804) 330-3993
   • Office Hours: 9am – 5pm