CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) — From aspiring veterinarians and lawyers to future artists and entrepreneurs, local students shared stories of growth, discovery and ambition during the 2026 Starr Hill Pathways Student Expo at the University of Virginia’s Contemplative Commons on Thursday.

Hosted by UVA’s Center for Community Partnerships, the annual event celebrated the accomplishments of Starr Hill Pathways scholars and highlighted the experiences that helped them explore future college and career opportunities throughout the summer.

This year, 80 rising seventh and eighth grade students participated in the program’s summer camp, while approximately 40 rising ninth grade students completed internships with local organizations, University of Virginia partners and the Community Attention Youth Internship Program.

At the expo, students showcased projects and presentations tied to 10 career pathways, including neuroscience, business and finance, creative arts, computer science, culinary arts, environmental sciences, performing arts, filmmaking, social media and veterinary science.

For 13-year-old Miles, the experience opened doors to possibilities he had never imagined.

“Working on these projects make me feel excited about my future,” Miles said. “This has shown me options that I never even thought I could do.”

Miles, who hopes to become a veterinary technician, said the encouragement he received throughout the program helped him see new opportunities for himself.

“The support from the people in this program is awesome,” he said. “It has made me feel like I can do anything.”

Twelve-year-old Sara said one of the most meaningful parts of the experience was feeling heard and supported by adults who genuinely care about students’ futures.

“It feels so nice to have my opinions valued and my future valued by so many people here,” Sara said.

The program allowed her to explore a variety of potential careers while building confidence in her goals. Sara hopes one day to become both a women’s rights lawyer and a performing artist.

“I’m getting to try on a bunch of different hats of jobs I may want when I am older,” she said. “This is really setting me up to be excited about and feel ready for my future career.”

For Kofi, 13, the opportunity to explore different career fields and connect with other motivated students made a lasting impression.

“I came to Starr Hill Pathways to experience great opportunities, to explore different careers and get excited about my future,” Kofi said.

He believes programs like Starr Hill Pathways can have a powerful impact on young people.

“I think all kids should get the opportunity to do this,” he said. “It has been so much fun and a great chance to make friends who are like-minded and excited about their futures.”

Kofi said the program also helped him recognize the support network that exists throughout the community.

“It means a lot that all of these different people can come together to try to help kids learn about all the options that they can have,” he said.

Kofi also expressed his gratitude toward the adults and mentors who contributed their time during the program

“A lot of people working here did not have an opportunity like this growing up,” he said. “But now they are giving back to this generation to really uplift us and give us opportunities and options they never had.”

The students’ summer experiences ranged from learning professional drawing techniques and testing water quality to working with horses, developing business ideas and participating in career-focused workshops.

Many of those opportunities were made possible through partnerships with UVA Brain Camp, Mahogany and Friends, local artist David Cook, the Charlottesville Middle School Innovation Hub, Pearl Island Catering, the Rivanna Conservation Alliance, Empowered Players, Light House Studio, Ohana Horse Farm and the UVA Polo program.

According to Starr Hill Pathways Director Lucy Montalvo, students spent the summer engaged in hands-on learning experiences designed to help them discover new interests and explore future career possibilities.

As families and community members moved through the expo Thursday, the focus remained squarely on the students — their projects, their achievements and the futures they are already beginning to imagine.

For Miles, Sara and Kofi, the program offered more than a summer activity. It provided a glimpse of what may be possible in the years ahead.