Empowering Future Leaders: Jarvis Henderson Discusses RVLA’s Dynamic Programs and Community-Centered Approach
Photos by Susan Fried
Recently on The Day with Trae, Jarvis Henderson stopped by to discuss RVLA's Summer Program, After School Program (Fall), and Kindergarten enrollment (Fall) with host Trae Holiday. Henderson, serving as the After School Program Coordinator at Rainier Valley Leadership Academy, shared insights into these educational initiatives.
"My desire was to learn things I could bring back home to impact my local community,” Henderson said. “I have a cousin who worked at RBLA and was in charge of the after-school program. Every time we talked, his passion for the difference being made and his explanations of what the charter school was all about inspired me. That alone was enough for me to say, 'Hey, whatever you need, I'm there. If you need a volunteer, I'm there.'"
After attending Bethune Cookman, an HBCU, he began volunteering and was inspired by the scholars he met at RBLA. Henderson believes in being the support for young people that he needed at their age. At RBLA, he saw a space where scholars were encouraged to be their authentic selves and where others were invited to support and believe in them.
Meeting the passionate team and connecting with the scholars on different levels convinced him that RBLA was where he needed to be. He was drawn to the school's diverse, anti-racist environment and its focus on developing future leaders. Henderson felt empowered and motivated to contribute, asking how he could help and elevate the voices of the scholars already there.
"There is a great level of inviting families in,” Henderson said. “I can think of at least two instances where I've seen family members sit with scholars throughout the day or stay in the building to be part of what's going on. When something happens, it's a conversation like, 'Hey, would you like me to call your mom or dad?' And when that call happens, it's not about blaming the child but checking if everything is okay. This openness makes families and scholars feel safe and welcome."
Henderson emphasizes that RBLA's approach is community-based, ensuring no child slips through the cracks. Unlike public schools that often pay lip service to the "No Child Left Behind" slogan, RBLA truly embodies this principle. Henderson has witnessed the school's culture of collaboration and support, where decisions are made together and no scholar is ostracized or singled out. Even during the summer, the team continues to communicate and prepare for the next school year, reinforcing the strong family-like bond within the community.
"You hear 'after school program' and think it's just like the babysitter club, right? I have never seen an after school program like the one at RVLA. Everything we've done has been to empower the scholars,” Henderson said. “We did trips to Microsoft, exposing them to job and internship opportunities. We have partnerships with ABC and Deacon Construction, UW Medicine, and more. It's all about exposure, showing them what's available and helping them develop. The joy is watching them get involved, whether on field trips or events, and seeing them bring their dreams to fruition."
Henderson highlights that RVLA's after school program is far more than just a typical childcare service. The program aims to empower scholars by providing them with unique opportunities and experiences. For instance, scholars have visited Microsoft to learn about job and internship opportunities, and they have participated in internships through partnerships with organizations like ABC and Deacon Construction, and UW Medicine. These activities are designed to expose scholars to various career paths and help them discover their interests.
In addition to these partnerships, the after school program includes diverse activities such as kickboxing classes and STEM tutoring sessions provided by Stem Tech. The program also collaborates with local organizations like the Breakfast Group and doctoral students from the University of Washington, who helped create the school's first yearbook. Scholars are also taught how to use social media safely.
Henderson, who arrives daily at 9 a.m., is deeply involved in developing these programs. He contrasts RVLA's supportive environment with his own experience in public school, where guidance counselors did not encourage him to pursue higher education. At RVLA, scholars are empowered to dream and are given the tools to make those dreams a reality. Whether through field trips or events, the program allows scholars to engage hands-on and take pride in their accomplishments.
"This is the buzz in the hallways right now because it's an opportunity to get our scholars at the grassroots,” Henderson said. “We're opening a pathway to success that probably hasn't been there before. The joy of being at a charter school is that we have more control over our curriculum. One thing that always rings in my mind is my mother telling me I was destined for greatness. That's the mentality we have as a school. We're already saying 'our babies,' because we're a community. It takes a village to raise a child."
Henderson is enthusiastic about the new opportunities being created for scholars at RVLA. With more control over the curriculum, RVLA can tailor education to better meet the needs of its students. Henderson recalls his mother's constant encouragement, telling him he was destined for greatness. This mindset is mirrored in the school's approach, especially in preparing for the incoming kindergarten class.
RVLA considers these young scholars as "our babies," emphasizing the community's role in their education. Henderson looks forward to seeing the first kindergarten class graduate as seniors after spending all 12 years at RVLA. He encourages parents seeking a solid foundation for their children to consider RVLA, confident in the school's readiness and commitment to their success.
"You don't have to pay for any of the stuff that we do at RVLA,” Henderson said. “We cover that cost because it is community-centered, and we want to make sure that we are here for our community, and that means we're here for you."
To learn more about RVLA visit myrvla.org.
For more on local education initiatives in Seattle, tune in with Trae every weekday at 11 a.m. on all Converge Media platforms and The Day With Trae YouTube Channel.
