School Programs & Camps
Culture Encounters provides culturally diverse programs that help children explore global traditions while building empathy, creativity, and confidence. Through partnerships with schools, community organizations, and the Children’s Museum of Richmond, they offer experiences like CultureFest Fridays, after-school programs, and summer camps that bring hands-on cultural learning to children of all ages.
Conversations That Connect
Conversations That Connect is a quarterly community conversation series designed to help people better understand one another through conversation and real-life perspectives. Each session explores everyday cultural topics such as family heritage, growing up between cultures, cross-cultural relationships, and how assumptions shape the way we see one another. Through guided conversations and thoughtful panelists, participants are encouraged to listen, reflect, and engage with openness and respect. These gatherings bring together people from different backgrounds who value learning through conversation.
Eat.Talk.Connect.
Eat.Talk.Connect. is our signature experience—where food becomes the entry point to story, empathy, and connection. We gather around a table, share a meal prepared by an immigrant or first-gen chef, hear their personal journey, and engage in guided conversation that opens hearts and minds. It’s not a performance. It’s not a lecture. It’s real people, real stories, and real connection.
Eat.Talk.Write.
Eat.Talk.Write. is our flagship summer program for youth aged 10 to 15, designed to connect kids from diverse backgrounds through the shared experience of food, conversation, and creative writing. This immersive program explores cultural diversity in a fun and interactive way, helping young participants build communication skills, empathy, and a sense of belonging.
School Assemblies
Culture Encounters offers a Cultural Immersion Initiative that brings global cultures into schools through interactive assemblies and performances. Launching with a session led by Ghanaian storyteller Kojjo Opoku-Reeves, students explore the African diaspora and Ghanaian traditions while building cultural awareness and appreciation.
Rooted and Reaching
Rooted & Reaching is a cohort-based leadership program for teens that explores culture, community, and global responsibility. Through workshops, cultural experiences, and guided reflection, students build skills in ethical travel, leadership, and civic engagement while growing as culturally aware and responsible global citizens. Each session explores everyday cultural topics such as family heritage, growing up between cultures, cross-cultural relationships, and how assumptions shape the way we see one another. Through guided conversations and thoughtful panelists, participants are encouraged to listen, reflect, and engage with openness and respect. These gatherings bring together people from different backgrounds who value learning through conversation.
Cultural Competency Training
practical training that helps professionals communicate effectively and provide respectful service in diverse communities. Through real-life scenarios and hands-on practice, participants build cultural awareness and learn strategies to navigate language barriers and different communication styles.