Mayor’s Youth Commission^{Addresses concerns and issues identified by youth; reports recommendations to Mayor; and implements identified solutions.Typically consists of 30 – 45 youth representatives and 1 – 3 adults.}

Newport News Arts Commission^{Supports arts and cultural activities within the City of Newport News.Typically consists of 2 youth representatives and 10 adults.}

Newport News Human Rights Commission^{Safeguards all individuals within the city from unlawful discrimination; preserves the public safety and health of our community; and furthers the rights of citizens within the city.Typically consists of 2 youth representatives and 9 adults.}

Newport News Public Library Board of Trustees^{Advises the Director of Library and Information Services and the City Manager and makes recommendations on policy and administration on any library matters.Typically consists of 2 youth representatives and 10 adults.}

Youth Career Program

We invite our Youth THRIVE Fellows, young adults (ages 16 – 24), to learn, explore, and thrive through the Youth Career Program. Through paid work experience and hands-on learning, YCP helps young adults gain independence, explore career opportunities, and earn income this summer. YCP equips participants with essential workplace skills and fosters social, civic, and leadership growth.

• Apply Today!

Night Nets

Newport News youth ages 16 and up are invited to Denbigh Community Center and An Achievable Dream Tennis Center every Friday from May 16 through August 22 for basketball, FREE food, community resources, e-gaming, and much more!

• Sign Up Today!

Mayor's Youth Commission & Other Youth Leadership Opportunities

Newport News encourages youth to make a difference in their city! High school students in Newport News can apply to join one of our boards or commissions and become a youth leader.Registration is closed.

• Learn More

NNPD Community Youth & Outreach Division (CYOD)

Citizen Police Academy for Youth
June 16 – June 20, 2025
^{Ages 14 – 17}
Camp Community Connection
July 7 – July 11, 2025
^{Ages 14 – 17}
Drone Response Unit Camp
July 21 – July 24, 2025
^{For rising 6th – 8th graders}

For more information or to register for any CYOD programs, call 757-975-5100 or email cyod@nnva.gov.

Innovation & STEM Adventures

Youth can visit the Brooks Crossing Innovation Lab for a variety of STEM-related workshops and camps. STEM programs and activities are also offered through Newport News Public Schools (NNPS).

• Brooks Crossing

• NNPS

• Maritime Studies Academy

Current 10th graders are eligible to apply^{The Maritime Engineering and Environmental Studies Academy (MEESA) is a magnet school option for NNPS students for the 2025 – 2026 school year.}

• AstroInnovators

2nd – 6th Graders

• Super Science Sampler

1st – 6th Graders

• Camp Invention

K – 6th Graders

History & Culture
in Newport News

Learn about the history of the city by visiting the sites that shaped the culture of Newport News.

• Mariners' Museum

• VA Living Museum

• Historic Sites

Learn & Have Fun
at Newport News Public Library

Newport News Public Library (NNPL) is so much more than books! Head to one of our three branches for STEM activities, drawing sessions, drama classes, art workshops, and more!

• Events & Programming

• Reading Challenges

• Get a Library Card

Music & Theater at Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center

From FREE weekly movies to youth clubs, sessions, plays and more, the Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center (DGCAC) is the place to be for enriching and engaging summer fun. Soundscapes also offers music instruction and activities!

• Summer Theater Camp

AGES 7 – 15

• Youth Orchestra

AGES 8 – 25

• Mosaic Steel Orchestra

AGES 7 – 17

• Percussion Club

AGES 9 – 18

Explore & Create Art

There are plenty of opportunities for youth to explore art throughout the city and to channel their own inner artist.

• Torggler Summer Camps

• Torggler Workshops

• Star Art Summer Camps

AGES 7 – 17

• Content Creatives Club

AGES 9 – 18

• KidCreate Pet Shop

AGES 5 – 13

• Art Club

AGES 9 – 18

Parks, Recreation,
& Special Events

Newport News' dynamic facilities offer a variety of programs and resources from basketball and tennis to aquatics and e-gaming! Youth can also enjoy walking and hiking, as well as biking, beaches, fishing, archery, bird watching, disc golfing, and more in one of our 36 parks. Don't forget to check out the fun and FREE special events for young people and families!

• Community Centers

• Parks & Trails

• Special Events

• Beginner Boxing

AGES 8+

• HR SportspleX Summer Camps

AGES 2 – 15