A Listening Project on Youth Flourishing in Martinsville and Henry County

Abstract

The Vibrant Virginia Community Exploratory: Martinsville & Henry County project, led by the Virginia Tech Center for Economic and Community Engagement (CECE), focused on understanding what it means for youth to flourish in the region. In collaboration with The Harvest Foundation and other local stakeholders, the initiative was designed to assess the needs, challenges, and opportunities facing young people and to identify actionable strategies that support academic, social, and career success. The project built upon Martinsville-Henry County’s existing efforts and resources—such as the SEED and PASSGO programs—while acknowledging persistent disparities in opportunity and outcomes for youth, particularly those from low-income and historically marginalized backgrounds.