Hello Readers! I’m Emily Dean, the new administrator of Business and Community Partnerships. As you may already know, Jay Garant retired in December 2024, and I began my role in March 2025. I’ll be bringing you this Partnership Update each month to share important news and celebrate the generosity of our partners.

As I start this new chapter, I’m eager to help students achieve their goals by cultivating and strengthening strategic partnerships that invest in their success. FCPS students are the future talent pipeline for our Fairfax community, so it’s vital we work together to create enriching opportunities for them to learn and grow into our future leaders.

Most recently, I was the senior manager of talent pipeline at CFP Board, where as part of the Workforce Development team, I project-managed 22 scholarship programs, twice-annual virtual career fairs, a financial planning job board, and an e-learning series for career changers to cultivate the next generation of financial planners. 

With bachelor's degrees in English literature and economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison — as well as a background in corporate engagement, nonprofit partnerships, and student-focused initiatives at organizations like 2U and The Aspen Institute — I now look forward to translating these experiences into meaningful collaborations that benefit FCPS students and families. 

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me (fcpspartnerships@fcps.edu) with any questions about starting a new partnership, providing feedback, renewing or expanding your partnership, or being featured in a future newsletter.

I’m happy to be onboard!

Mini-pitches offer significant advantages in community accessibility. Their compact design allows them to fit into small, underutilized urban spaces where full-sized fields aren't feasible. This innovative approach maximizes land use efficiency, reduces maintenance requirements, and creates engaging play environments.

Through the Ignite Partnership, VYS prioritizes walkable locations that provide safer, more convenient access for families. The smaller dimensions of these courts ensure players get more touches on the ball, accelerating skill development while increasing active participation.

Since its founding in 1975, VYS has served over 50,000 members directly through its programs and engaged more than 200,000 individuals throughout the Fairfax community. Over the last 50 years of service, the organization has demonstrated its dedication to inclusivity by contributing over $2 million to FCPS, Fairfax County Parks & Recreation, and the Town of Vienna through scholarships and facilities development, honoring one of its founding principles that everyone should have the opportunity to play.

The Ignite Partnership represents VYS's continued evolution as a community leader, creating lasting impact beyond traditional youth soccer programming and establishing a model for sports organizations in Virginia.

Thank you, Vienna Youth Soccer, for your unwavering commitment to our community!

Fairfax County Public Schools is excited to shine a spotlight on the Believers Teen Leadership Program, created by She Believes in Me (SBIM). SBIM became an Ignite Partner in 2019 and has since expanded its needs-based donations and mentoring services to support students across eight FCPS schools in the Herndon community. 

Each month, SBIM volunteers contribute approximately 780 cumulative hours to serve nearly 1,000 vulnerable youth in Northern Virginia. One notable effort in achieving their mission to inspire, empower, and support the community is the Believers Teen Leadership Program.

The Believers Teen Leadership Program equips young individuals with the tools they need to thrive personally and professionally. Designed to empower teenagers with essential life skills, leadership, and the confidence to succeed as self-sufficient adults, the program brings teens together monthly to have fun, engage in sports, and learn about nutrition and self-development. 

Monthly themes are diverse and include hands-on activities that focus on areas such as money management, building connections with parents and peers, resume and interview preparation, and emotional well-being. These sessions —  in conjunction with an assigned mentor —  play a crucial role in helping participants cope with anxiety and build emotional resilience. 

Additionally, the Believers Teen Leadership Program hosts lunch and learning visits at community organizations so participants can explore career options and gain valuable advice from industry experts. Key supporters include Amazon AWS, Beacon Building Supplies, Floris UMC, TIAG, Turn2Partners, Probity, Rappaport, Herndon Community Center, YRCI, Abich Financial Services, and many others who continuously invest in the future of Northern Virginia students.

“Partnering with FCPS has been an incredibly rewarding experience,” says SBIM Founder  Renee Gorman. “Together, we've been able to provide students with valuable resources and opportunities that support their growth, learning, and overall well-being. It's inspiring to see the impact we're making — side by side."

Please reach out to elena@shebelievesinme.org if your organization would like to host the Believers Teen Leadership Program or to learn more. 

Team Leads are passionate, enthusiastic, and assertive about implementing GrandInvolve's mission. 

Anu Mittal, GrandInvolve team lead, says her favorite part of being a GrandInvolve volunteer is, “when a child’s eyes light up with joy knowing that they can now spell or read something that they couldn’t before. It’s what keeps me coming back.”

Thanks to the dedication of GrandInvolve team leads since the program’s inception in 2014, and all GrandInvolve volunteers to date, vulnerable children and teachers get the support they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond. 

To join the GrandInvolve team as a volunteer, contact the NCS Volunteer Office at ncs-volunteers@fairfaxcounty.gov.