Youth Innovation Event Designed to Inspire Creativity and Friendly Competition

The H.O.P.E. Initiative — Helping Our People Excel — aims to unite and empower people and organizations to make Virginia Beach an even better place to live, work and thrive. By working together, we can build stronger connections and create more opportunities that transform lives.

Youth Innovation Tank 

The next H.O.P.E. event is structured for middle and high school students and will focus on promoting innovation, teamwork and collaboration with local community nonprofit organizations. Virginia Beach H.O.P.E. Youth Innovation Tank will be 4-8 p.m., June 3, at the Great Neck Recreation Center.  

The event will be an evening of inspiration and creativity, including: 

• Welcome remarks from Mayor Robert M. “Bobby” Dyer 
• A friendly pitch-style competition  
• Games, prizes and interactive activities  
• A live career panel with inspiring professionals  

Only 20 middle school students and 20 high school students will be selected to participate. To participate in this free event, individuals are asked to sign up online by June 1.    

Helping Our People Excel 

Since 2023, the H.O.P.E. Initiative has made strides to connect individuals, businesses and organizations to further create a strong network of support and recognition for those who are doing great things in our community. Dyer, who established the initiative in 2023 to foster community well‑being, expressed his excitement over the turnout and the possibilities ahead.

Since its launch, the initiative has celebrated several key accomplishments, including establishing the Champions of H.O.P.E. award that recognizes individuals, groups and organizations for their extraordinary work in the community. The initiative has hosted several events to recognize community leaders and contributors and to create city-wide networking.

In February 2024, the inaugural H.O.P.E. Networking Event focused on health and wellness, housing assistance, financial literacy, job training, ministry, and arts and culture.  

In May 2024, Councilmember Michael Berlucchi hosted the H.O.P.E. Mental Health and Wellness Resource Fair, in which more than 85 professionals shared resources with the public.  

In August 2025, the THRIVE HERE event, focused on workforce development and provided opportunities for nonprofits, businesses and community partners to learn how the City of Virginia Beach is preparing and equipping residents to thrive.  

Recently, in February 2026, the Mentor, Mix & Mingle H.O.P.E. Event focused on mentoring, one of the pillars of the initiative.

Be a Part of H.O.P.E.

Local individuals, businesses and organizations interested in receiving information about participation in future H.O.P.E. events can register online at VirginiaBeach.gov/HOPE. For questions regarding the June 3 H.O.P.E. event, contact HOPE@vbgov.com or 757-385-4722. 

• Register to Participate
• H.O.P.E.