Starr Hill Pathways Photo Gallery | Center for Community Partnerships

Environmental Science Pathway

Young people dipping a net into a river while adults watch. One student is balancing his feet on rocks. — What lives in the Rivanna River? Let's find out!

An adult pointing while students stand in a line behind them in a woody area

A blue tent that reads 'Rivanna Conservation Alliance.' Students are standing under the tent. — The Rivanna Conservation Alliance, a local non-profit and longtime SHP partner, hosted the Environmental Sciences career pathway during the 2026 SHP Summer Camp.

Children wearing neon green caution vests are standing on a bridge while an adult also wearing a vest speaks with the group. — SHP students in the Environmental Sciences pathway toured the Rivanna River and Sewer Authority during the 2026 SHP Summer Camp.

Students pose for a picture in the river — Students tried their hand at canoeing with the help of our partners at the Rivanna Conservation Alliance.

Students standing in the woods with buckets and a fish diagram — Students learned about the wildlife living in the Rivanna River directly from an expert.

A student posing next to a canoe — All smiles for a great day at the river!

In the 9th Grade Environmental Sciences Pathway, students partnered with the Rivanna Conservation Alliance for a hands-on look at conservation science. The week began with a nature scavenger hunt along the Rivanna Trail and a visit to the Rivanna River Company, where students learned about the local watershed and the importance of protecting water quality.

Students visited a water treatment plant and connected with chemists and engineers to see how clean water is produced. They also conducted fish censuses, practiced stream sampling, and built pollinator boxes to support native bees. The program wrapped up with a paddling trip on the Rivanna River, where students observed the Riverview Park restoration project in action. By the end of the week, students had a deeper understanding of environmental careers and how conservation science supports healthier ecosystems.

Veterinary Technician Pathway

Young people tending to a horses head. Two people stand on either side of the horse — A student gets up close and personal with a horse at Ohana Horse Farm. Ohana led the 2026 Veterinarian/Veterinarian Technician pathway.

Students examining a horse's hooves while an adult stands over them in a horse stable. — In this pathway, students learn about all parts of a horse and how to care for the animals.

A student holding two pieces of paper with illustrations in each hand.

Three people posing in a selfie beside a horse.

A student petting a white and brown horse.

Student on a horse apparatus — Students learned how polo players ride during matches at the Virginia Polo Center.

Student walking into a stable at Virginia Polo — A student entering a stable at the Virginia Polo Center.

A woman standing and talking to sitting students — Ohana Horse Farm owner Kim Bryson spoke with students about her career working with horses.

A student washing a horse with the help of a pathway leader at the Virginia Polo Center.

Students washing three horses — Students learned how to wash these patient horses with the help of a pathway leader at the Virginia Polo Center.

A student holding a horse on a rein — Students learned to care for the animals, like gently guiding them for a walk around the farm!

A student taking a photo of a dog — Making new friends at the Virginia Polo Center.

Students using stethoscopes — Testing, testing. Students learned to use stethoscopes on the horses, too.

In the 7th and 8th Grade Veterinary Technician Pathway, students experienced the world of equine care and polo through a two-week hands-on adventure with Virginia Polo and Ohana Horse Farm. During their first week at Virginia Polo, students learned about the fundamentals of the sport and basic horse anatomy. They observed demonstrations from collegiate players and veterinarians and participated in grooming, tacking, and untacking horses.

In the second week, students moved to Ohana Horse Farm to deepen their understanding of veterinary care. They practiced taking vital signs, safely haltering horses, and applying bandages. Students also participated in emergency response drills and interactive challenges that tested their skills. By the end of the pathway, students had developed a solid foundation in equine care and a greater appreciation for the role of veterinary technicians.

Computer Science Pathway

"Welcome, Scholars. The Innovation Hub @ Charlottesville Middle School" written in chalk on a black chalkboard. — The team at Innovation Hub worked with students daily on the basics of coding.

A student holding a robotic model attached to a computer

Two students typing on computers with robots sitting on a table beside them — The team at Innovation Hub worked with students daily on the basics of coding.

A student wearing orange sunglasses writes on a large sheet of paper with a chart with 'Gravity' written at the top and 'High' and 'Low' on the left and right of the chart while another student watches with a marker in-hand.

A student sitting at a desk building a robot from materials in a green box.

A student sitting at a desk working on a robot

Students in front of computers — Students worked with computer programs like JavaScript daily.

Students writing on a desk — Hard at work!

Students working with computers and micro:bits equipment — Students learned to work with micro:bits, a pocket-sized programmable computer designed to encourage children to get involved with coding and digital making.

Micro:bit created by a student — a micro:bit built by a student. These a pocket-sized programmable computer are designed to encourage children to get involved with coding and digital making

Students building micro:bits — More micro:bit building!

In the 7th and 8th Grade Computer Science Pathway with the UVA Innovation Hub, students embarked on a dynamic two-week journey into the world of programming and robotics. Their exploration began with hands-on lessons using micro:bit microcontrollers, which introduced them to key computing concepts like inputs and outputs. These accessible devices helped lay the groundwork for deeper learning, allowing students to engage with both hardware and software in meaningful ways.

Building on their foundational knowledge, students dove into algorithmic thinking and were introduced to the Hummingbird Robotics Kit—a tool that combined sensors, lights, and motors for creative robotic builds. With mentorship and guidance, students designed their own "biobots," robotic creations inspired by nature and biology. In the second week, they brought these ideas to life through coding and construction, learning to program their robots and refine their functionality. The pathway concluded with students proudly presenting their biobots at the expo, having gained confidence in their coding skills and a stronger understanding of how technology and creativity go hand-in-hand.

Business & Finance Pathway

Students learn basic financial principals like the difference between wants and needs.

Students sitting at desks looking up at a presentation that reads "Simple Interest Formula" at the top.

Two students playing a game involving a bowl of ping pong balls while other students watch.

Students writing at separate desks while an adult stands over them.

Students playing foosball at the Willow Tree office.

Students in a classroom — Students learn basic financial principals like the difference between wants and needs.

Students pose for a photo in front of a projector — Students participated in an entrepreneurial challenge with local entrepreneurs.

Students standing in front of a projector screen — We have a winner! Each group of students pitched their idea to a local entrepreneur. The winners took home $20!

Teaching speaking with students at a desk — Pathway leaders at Mahogany and Friends: Tiny Investors Club led students through math problems that strengthened their financial literacy.

Students play a game in a classroom — Students learned through engaging games like "Credit vs. Debit"

In the 9th Grade Business and Finance Pathway, students worked with Mahogany & Friends to explore the foundations of personal finance and economic decision-making. The week began with activities to help students distinguish between needs and wants, build realistic budgets, and understand income types. Through engaging games and hands-on exercises, students practiced using checks, differentiating between credit and debit, and exploring compound interest.

As the week progressed, students expanded their financial literacy with lessons in investing, entrepreneurship, and long-term financial planning. They participated in a stock market simulation, pitched original business ideas, and visited a local bank to learn about professional banking operations. The week wrapped up with students developing individual savings plans—an exercise in goal setting and future thinking. Through these experiences, students walked away with essential money management skills that will benefit them in high school, college, and beyond.

Filmmaking Pathway

A group of students posing outside of a brick building.

A child holding a camera while wearing a lab coat

A student holding a camera up to her face while an adult talks to hear and another student watches

Students holding drawings they made in front of a black chalkboard that reads 'Starr Hill Pathways'

A student looking into a camera eye while another stands behind her. Two other students stand separately, talking to an adult.

Students looking at desktops in a computer lab.

Student and woman looking through a camera — Pathway partners from Light House Studio guided students through the basics of filmmaking.

Students and an adult looking at a computer — Students learned to edit on FinalCutPro.

Student pointing — Students excitedly recorded, edited, and scored their own original videos.

Student recording on a camera — Filmmakers at work!

Students recording on the Lawn — Students had access to scenes around UVA grounds to get the perfect shot.

Students recording in front of a building — Action!

Students editing on a computer — Editors at work.

In the 9th Grade Multimedia Pathway with Light House Studio, students immersed themselves in visual storytelling through hands-on filmmaking. The week began with foundational lessons in screenwriting and camera work. Students brainstormed film ideas and wrote scripts in small production teams, taking on roles such as director, writer, actor, and cinematographer.

Once production began, students managed their filming schedules, selected props, and practiced key techniques like camera framing and blocking. After filming, they entered the post-production phase, editing with professional software to enhance sound and visuals. Students presented their final short films at the expo, leaving with newfound confidence, technical experience, and a portfolio-ready project that reflects their unique voice and creativity.

Neuroscience Pathway

Students and their instructors posing for a group photo in a lab.

A student covering her eyes with her hand while an instructor holds her other hand to guide her.

A student laughs while talking to a camp counselor.

One student sticks something on another students' hand while they look away.

A counselor laughs while a student sticks something in her hand during an experiment.

Student working with clay — Students created brain molds using color clay.

Students testing experiments off of a balcony — Experimenting in the sun!

Students playing a game in a laboratory — Students tried their skills by creating a prothetic hand models.

A student working with a prosthetic hand — Testing...

Students testing a prosthetic hand model — With the support of the Neuroscience pathway leaders at UVA's Brain Camp, these students learned all about mind muscle connections.

Students in front of an MRI machine — Students visited more UVA facilities to learn about the neuroscience technology.

Students standing in front of plates of candy — Eating our way through a DNA lesson!

The 7th and 8th Grade Neuroscience Pathway with UVA Brain Camp invited students to explore the inner workings of the brain through hands-on experiments and fascinating lessons. During the first week, students tested their senses, built clay models of brain structures, and explored cranial nerve functions through interactive games and sensory activities. They created educational posters and models that helped reinforce key concepts in neuroanatomy and neurophysiology.

In the second week, students shifted focus to genetics, memory, and brain imaging. They conducted DNA extraction experiments using strawberries, visited UVA research facilities like Fontaine Research Park, and toured active animal laboratories to learn about imaging technology and neuroscience research in action. By the end of the program, students walked away with a broader understanding of how the brain influences daily life and a deeper interest in the scientific and medical careers that study it.

Creative Arts Pathway

A man paints a piece of pottery while students watch from around a table.

A student sits at a table drawing on a white piece of paper

A girl standing in front of a black chalkboard, looking at the art created by her peers hung on the chalkboard.

A student cleaning a paint brush while painting on a small white piece of paper.

Students talking while sitting at separate tables with painting and drawing materials in front of them.

Students at a computer with headphones — Students working with MIMA Music wrote and produced their own songs.

Students in a sound booth — Students recorded their original songs in a sound booth located at UVA.

Students writing at a desk — Students started the creative process by writing lyrics for their own songs, with assistance from our Creative Arts partners at MIMA Music.

a student in a sound booth — Once the lyrics were finished, students hopped in the booth!

A man with a wig and chain speaking to students in a classroom — ...with some inspiration from our awesome MIMA Music partners!

A group in a music studio — These students toured a local music studio for a hands-on experience.

Students working on arts and crafts — With our partners at the Fralin Museum of Art, students created inspiring zines.

In the 7th and 8th Grade Creative Arts Pathway, students explored storytelling through sound, image, and words in partnership with MIMA Music, the Fralin Museum of Art, and ReadyKids. During the first week, students collaborated with MIMA Music to create their own record labels, complete with original logos and taglines. They learned the fundamentals of beat-making, audio editing, and video production while developing catchy jingles and short-form videos that reflected their identities and creative ideas. Students also learned about the music industry by experimenting with publishing techniques and media branding.

In week two, students transitioned into visual storytelling with ReadyKids and the Fralin Museum of Art. They participated in a guided tour of the museum, then created zines—miniature handmade publications that combined collage, illustration, and writing. Each student crafted a zine that represented their voice and story, building on what they had learned about narrative from their music and video production experience. The pathway culminated in a vibrant showcase at the expo, where students shared their music, videos, and zines with families and community members. This multidisciplinary experience nurtured their creativity, built technical skills, and reminded them that their stories are powerful and worth sharing.

Performing Arts Pathway

Students looking out at a theater from under a spotlight.

Two students sitting in chairs while four other students stand around them.

Students holding hands while preparing for a stage bow with scripts in-hand.

Students and an instructor sitting in chairs and lauging.

Students holding hands in a circle — Students started each lesson with a group bonding exercise.

Students following a dance instructor — 1...2...Pas de bourrée!

Students pose under colorful lights — A quick dance break to gaze under the (studio) stars!

Students in front of a mirror — A quick warmup to get the class started.

The 7th and 8th-grade students in the Performing Arts Pathway are working alongside Denise Folley and UVA Drama to explore what it takes to bring stories to life. Through theatre-based activities, creative expression, and hands-on learning, students are strengthening their communication skills, building self-confidence, and discovering the many ways performance can inspire connection and change.

Whether they’re stepping into a new role, sharing ideas with their peers, or learning from experienced performers and educators, students are gaining valuable skills that extend far beyond the stage.

A special thank you to Denise Folley and UVA Drama for helping students find their voices, embrace their creativity, and experience the transformative power of the performing arts.

Want to see what they’ve been working on? Join us at the Starr Hill Pathways Student Expo on Thursday, June 18, from 4–6 p.m. at the UVA Contemplative Commons, where students will showcase what they’ve learned throughout the summer.

Student Expo 2026

The annual Starr Hill Pathways Student Expo is more than a celebration—it’s a powerful reflection of what’s possible when students, families, and community partners come together to invest in the future of our community. Listen for yourself!

From hands-on exhibits to confident student presentations, this year’s Expo highlighted the growth, curiosity, and talent of the Starr Hill Pathways scholars who’ve spent their summer exploring careers and college pathways across our region.

We’re so excited to support the next generation of Starr scholars!