As a recent graduate of Randolph College, I know how important experience beyond the classroom can be. Young people need opportunities in professional settings to gain experience and to be competitive in the job market. During my first two months at the Academy Center, I have started to build connections with local high schools and […]

Software Development is a booming industry. The most in-demand jobs in this field average out to about $88,000 a year. Studies show that by 2020 the demand for these jobs will increase by over 30%, leaving a million more jobs than Computer Science students. Why does this matter? Learning how to code is not only […]

As a child, I had the fortune of participating in activity at the Lynchburg Fine Arts Center. This experience was important to me on a number of levels. One, it was an opportunity to for me to spend quality time with my father who was also involved. Two, it was during this time that I […]

A community is oftentimes defined as a group of people with a particular characteristic in common; a fellowship, and a common set of goals or interests. Community has a deep meaning and defining purpose to the Academy. “The arts are a community builder,” said Executive Director Geoffrey Kershner. “The arts gather people together to share […]

For years, the Academy’s Kids Out Loud program has been a smash success with R.S. Payne and T.C. Miller here in Lynchburg. Now, the Academy hopes to expand the program into surrounding county elementary schools. Kids Out Loud was founded by Paddy Dougherty, a local singer-songwriter. With Dougherty’s guidance and encouragement, students from the 3rd […]

The Academy will be collaborating with the local charity Daily Bread to present Meals and Music: a program bringing music alongside food to the city’s homeless. Founded in 1982 by the First Presbyterian Church of Lynchburg, Daily Bread offers free hot meals in anyone in need using food donated by local grocery stores, restaurants, and […]