"Education: The Pathway to a Brighter Future"
Welcome to VUOTS
Our Story
At VUOTS, our mission is deeply inspired by our founder, Dr. Victoria Best, whose journey as a teen mother navigating the Philadelphia foster care system and the justice system has fueled our commitment to change. Having experienced the profound impact of education in transforming her own life, Dr. Best recognizes that many individuals face not only financial barriers but also social and judicial obstacles that hinder their access to education. We believe that education is a fundamental right that should be available to all. That's why we offer high-quality educational services at no cost to individuals from all backgrounds, empowering them to overcome these challenges and create brighter futures
VUOTS Announcements & Updates
Rooted in Education. Teaching Toward the Future.
VUOTS Receives Women's Way IRAF Grant
We’re proud to share that VUOTS has been awarded the Women’s Way Immediate Response Action Fund (IRAF) grant! Stay tuned for how this support will help us deepen our impact in the community.
Summer Programming Is Wrapping Up
Our Summer Enrichment and Tutoring sessions are coming to a close — thank you to all the families, scholars, and educators who participated and made this a meaningful summer!
Back to School Giveaway – August 9th!
Join us on Saturday, August 9th for our Back to School Giveaway, in collaboration with State Representative Andre D. Carroll and a host of amazing community partners.
This event is focused on supporting students in Northwest Philly — but open to all!
Thanks to generous donations from Herr’s and other supporters, we’ll be distributing free school supplies, snacks, and more to help families start the school year strong.
Fall Tutoring Registration Opens August 15th!
Registration for VUOTS Fall Tutoring Program opens Thursday, August 15th!
Location: As I Plant This Seed
Free Saturday sessions for K–8 scholars — first five registrants receive free tutoring for the season! Stay tuned for the full registration packet.
North Philly: A Black Freedom Jawn
We’re excited to kick off our Semiquincentennial Collaborative Project, North Philly: A Black Freedom Jawn, in partnership with Black Docents Collective, Jackie Wiggins Tours LLC, The Institute, and PennPraxis. This project uplifts the heritage, culture, and voices of North Philly’s past, present, and future — stay tuned for events, media, and community opportunities!
VUOTS Is on the Move!
We’re preparing to transition into a new physical location in the coming months as we expand our capacity to serve more youth and families. Stay connected for updates on our new home!
Transitions: Thank You, Hayden!
Our incredible intern, Hayden Garrick, will soon return to Cheyney University to continue his academic journey.
Thank you, Hayden, for your dedication, creativity, and service this summer with VUOTS. We wish you continued success and growth — once VUOTS, always VUOTS!
EVEV Project Concludes This Fall
Our EVEV (Every Voice, Every Vote) project will be wrapping up this fall, but our work in civic engagement and community inclusion continues!
We remain committed to empowering young people with the tools they need to understand their role in shaping the world around them.
Download Our Civic Engagement Youth Activity Booklets
We’ve created downloadable Youth Civic Engagement Activity Booklets—designed to educate and inspire young leaders through creative and accessible tools. These are available for educators, caregivers, and community organizations committed to developing youth voice and action.
VUOTS SPONSORS
VUOTS Community Partners
