Sew What Kidz is a community-based educational resource serving youth in middle and high school. We have served over 1,000 youth in Richmond, VA, and surrounding areas since our start in 2018. Our pilot program was a free summer sewing class at the Southside Community Center with Richmond Parks and Rec in 2018. In 2020, we branched into Richmond Public Schools, partnering with a non-profit called NextUp as an afterschool program teaching hand sewing. But because of the pandemic, we started these classes in a virtual setting. What an adventure that was! Once the world slowly started opening back up, we partnered with the YMCA and traveled between their many learning pubs. These pubs were established for children whose parents had to return to work, leaving them with nowhere else to go. During this time, we taught hand sewing and jewelry making. 

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Then, in 2021, we were able to go back into the schools physically! We introduced new classes, including Fashion Illustration and How to Create a Fashion Brand. During this time, we applied for the Positive Youth Development Grant and received it! In 2022, we partnered with the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Richmond and hosted our first Sew What Kidz Summer Experience! We offered beginner sewing classes and purchased 15 sewing machines!

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Since 2022, we have consistently operated as an afterschool program in all of the Richmond Public Middle Schools and the Boys and Girls Club of Metro Richmond. We have received PYD funding every summer since 202, using it to provide youth with free summer classes. As of 2024, we have expanded into the beauty industry and offer a Makeup and nail class. Our classes have been a great success within RPS and the BGC. During the summer of 2025, we were able to service the Petersburg BGC with Jewelry and Accessories Making! 

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We will continue to grow and serve youth with our many skill sets! So, are you ready to be a Sew What Kid?​