Support the Foundation
Formed in June 2014, the purpose of the Foundation is to bolster the work of Virginia Beach GrowSmart by securing increased funding through public grants and private donations.
VBGrowSmart Office
Virginia Relay TTY
The GrowSmart Foundation Board leads the efforts of our 501c3 nonprofit organization: the Virginia Beach GrowSmart Foundation. Additionally, the Virginia Beach GrowSmart Foundation acts as an advocacy group that seeks to garner support from both the public and private sectors.
The GrowSmart Foundation Board ensures that increased attention and resources are devoted to early childhood education and innovation.
Our Vision
Our investment today in early childhood education will benefit future generations and result in a prepared workforce and an economically vital community.
Our Mission
The Foundation's purpose is to support Virginia Beach GrowSmart's initiatives through advocacy and by securing public and private sector funding.
Early Talk Development
Virginia Beach GrowSmart launched LENA Start in the fall of 2017. LENA selected the City of Virginia Beach as one of 11 new communities to join LENA Start. A program that helps parents and caregivers of infants and toddlers (0-3 years) close the talk gap. LENA uses an innovative "talk pedometer" technology with simple strategies offered in a series of efficient, engaging sessions. LENA Start in Virginia Beach is supported by the Foundation, Virginia Beach GrowSmart, and United Way of South Hampton Roads.
Access to High-Quality Childcare
Early childcare settings play a critical role in workforce development - both current and future. The Foundation supports Virginia Beach GrowSmart in ensuring that all children have access to high-quality childcare. Childcare centers must have the support and resources needed to meet licensing standards, enroll in Virginia Quality, and access strong professional development opportunities. High-quality childcare supports today's current workforce and prepares the future workforce. Investing in early childhood is an investment in the community's economic vitality.
Demographics
According to Times Magazine, the Virginia Beach MSA has the highest percentage of millennials of any metro area in the country. Virginia Beach is the No. 1 Best Place to Live on the East Coast in 2024-2025, by HomeToGo. 70% of residents have some college experience or an advanced degree.
Workforce
- 95% of all Virginia Beach businesses have 50 or fewer employees.
- 55% live and work in Virginia Beach.
- 14,162 employed by the public school system.
- 233,469 employed in the civilian workforce.(Source: Virginia Employment Commission, September 2024)
Education
- 200+ early learning programs.
- 31 Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) have pre-K programs.
- Early education business course impacted 3,000+ children.
- Over 62,873 enrolled in VBCPS K-12. (Source VBCPS, SY24/25)