PETERSBURG, Va. (WRIC) -- Petersburg City Public Schools (PCPS) is rolling out a program aimed at curbing behaviors that could lead to gun violence. During a Petersburg School Board meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 18, Brandi Lee -- the school division's student and family engagement coordinator -- gave a presentation on what PCPS will do with just under $121,000 in "Community Builders" grant funding. Established by an act of the General Assembly this year, the Community Builders Pilot Program benefits both PCPS and Roanoke City Public Schools. This legislation was carried by Sen. Lashrecse Aird (D-Petersburg) in the Senate and by Del. Sam Rasoul (D-Roanoke) in the House of Delegates. This program aims to "reduce youth involvement in behaviors that lead to gun violence," according to Lee, as well as increase students' community engagement. It will be open to all students at all grade levels, but 8th graders are a key focus, according to Lee. Henrico mail carrier featured in Hulu series ‘Dear Santa: The Series’ Subjects this program will cover include: Community engagement Post-secondary education exploration (including university, career and technical education) Soft-skill development Social-emotional education and development To include instruction on "the importance of restorative justice in communities" The program will be offered both after school during the school year and during one summer session at PCPS, with up to 100 students able to be served during each session. The summer program, called "The Builders Hub," will be offered to 30 8th-graders during this first year of implementation. It will cover the subject areas listed above and, at its completion, campers will each receive $25 to go toward their future college fund. Beyond actual instruction, Community Builders grant funding at PCPS will also go towards things like "Family Empowerment Hubs" -- two of which already exist, according to Lee. They are dedicated spaces where parents and caregivers can go to access relevant information, resources and services. The two established hubs are located at Lakemont and Walnut Hill elementary schools. Two more are in the works. Descendant of Shockoe Hill African Burying Ground says more bodies are buried across Richmond "We have footage of our visit to Walnut Hill where we opened the children and the children came in, excited to be able to take the resources that were housed there back to their families," Lee said. "Sharing -- 'Is this for tutoring? 'Cause I need this! I need to take this to my mom!'" There will also be multiple other forms of community outreach, including a "Wave Bus," a mobile extension of the hubs mentioned above. This bus, which is already active, connects with families facing transportation challenges where they are on a minimum-bimonthly basis. "We are distributing resources -- whether that is a resource list, or it is an actual resource," Lee said. "A washcloth, supplies, toothbrushes -- it may be food sometimes. Just depending on what other community partners are able to partner with us to be able to share with our families." Lee said that, during a recent visit to Pin Oaks, the Wave Bus handed out over 200 books. Remembering Brad McNeer: Chesterfield fire celebrates his legacy on 25th anniversary The school division has set several goals for itself that it plans to hit by July 2025. This includes: Reaching a minimum of 100 families and providing them with relevant parental and community information, resources and services Establishing and maintaining at least 25 community partnerships that enhance educational opportunities for students Engaging with at least 30 to 35 8th-grade students through the program Further action steps for the 2025-26 school year will be determined following this initial year of implementation.