Harold M. Marsh, Sr. Connections Institute

At the Connections Institute, students share ideas and feelings, discover their own unique talents, and experience a variety of perspectives on prejudice, discrimination, and identity. They come up with creative solutions to the tough challenges they may face in the future. Because delegates are leaders in their schools and communities, they often arrive with previous experiences in communication and leadership training. However, they quickly discern that the Connections experience is different. The goal of the Connections Institute is to promote respect and understanding among all people. Throughout the program, delegates come to better understand themselves and others. By the time they return to their home communities, delegates are able to relate to each other with a deep and unprecedented level of mutual regard and acceptance.

Connections delegates represent the wide diversity of Virginians, with a variety of racial, economic, religious, and ethnic backgrounds. Together, they possess a range of perspectives and experiences that provide the perfect foundation for the learning that will occur at the summer Connections experience and throughout the school year while implementing their action plans. High schools select a team of up to five delegates, based on students’ interest, motivation, and leadership ability. All delegates must be entering grades 10 through 12 in the upcoming school year.

Unfortunately not. VCIC has found that institutional change is best achieved through collective action. Therefore, registration is limited to teams of delegates.

If you are an individual who would like to bring the Connections experience to your school, please do not hesitate to reach out so VCIC can set up a time to talk with relevant administrators and leaders.

It is possible for a community or non-profit group to send a delegation to Connections. However, these requests are handled on a case-by-case basis. Please email VCIC to explore this possibility.

Yes, charter bus transportation is provided for participating delegates from central locations across Virginia. Details on estimated departure and arrival times will be mailed directly to delegates approximately 1 month prior to the program.

Staff members at the Connections Institute are as diverse as the delegates, representing many races, religions, and backgrounds.  They come from across Virginia, united in a desire to promote understanding. Composed of professional adult leaders and college students with experience in human relations education, Connections staff members provide caring support and careful supervision to guide the delegates throughout the week. One aspect of Connections’ success is the devotion of the staff, who view the program as much more than a week-long training, giving their time and lives to the core values of unity and understanding.

Staff applications will be available on our volunteer page.

Thanks to generous donors, and with particular appreciation to the R.E.B. Foundation, more than 30% of the costs for a school team to participate in the Connections Institute are subsidized. Participating schools pay only $2,000 for a delegation of up to five students. That fee includes round trip bus transportation from central locations, meals, lodging, delegate insurance, and ongoing support to schools throughout the academic year. Each delegate receives a t-shirt, materials, and a follow-up networking package.

In addition, VCIC is able to provide three customized follow-up workshops for your delegates during the following school year for an additional cost of $375.