UVA Receives Historic $43.4M Gift for Early Childhood Learning Center

In a landmark contribution to early childhood education, the University of Virginia (UVA) has announced a transformative $43.4 million donation to its School of Education and Human Development. This substantial gift aims to establish an innovative early childhood learning center in Charlottesville, enhancing educational opportunities for local children and hands-on experience for UVA students.

The donation, coming from UVA alumni Kathleen and David LaCross, marks the largest financial gift in the history of the Education School. The center will provide advanced instructional and developmental services to Charlottesville’s children while allowing UVA students to gain practical experience in their field.

UVA President Scott Beardsley expressed his gratitude, stating, “This inspired gift from Kathy and David LaCross is a profound vote of confidence in UVA’s ability to lead, innovate and serve the public good.” He highlighted the gift’s alignment with the University’s mission of education, public service, and research.

The specific details regarding the community partnership and the organizations involved will be disclosed soon.

Kathy LaCross emphasized the family’s intention to utilize the University’s resources to create significant positive impacts for local families, particularly those facing challenging situations. She noted that the center could potentially serve as a national model and boost local employment.

“Providing high-quality educational and developmental experiences at the youngest ages sets children up for success in school and in life,” she said. “David and I are proud to join with others to support an initiative that promises to positively impact children and their families, educators, the Charlottesville community and the University of Virginia.”

The LaCrosses have been notable benefactors of their alma mater. Their previous contributions include the establishment of the LaCross Institute for Ethical Artificial Intelligence in Business at the Darden School of Business, support for The Forum Hotel, and the creation of the LaCross Botanical Gardens. They have also funded student housing projects that are currently under construction.

Further solidifying their commitment to education, the LaCrosses donated an additional $5 million to the Education School, establishing the LaCross University Professorship in Early Childhood Education. With matching contributions from the University, this professorship fund totals $10 million.

Stephanie Rowley, Dean of the Education School, expressed her appreciation, saying, “Kathy and David LaCross have made an extraordinary investment in quality early childhood education in Charlottesville.” She also acknowledged the essential role of community partners in shaping the vision of this educational initiative.

Research underscores the critical benefits of early educational preparation for children under age five, a period vital for developing foundational skills needed for success in later school years. According to the National Survey of Children’s Health, significant disparities in readiness for kindergarten often correlate with family income levels.

Local data indicates that over 35% of students in Charlottesville and Albemarle County started the 2021 school year below the expected level for kindergarten readiness, as reported by the Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program.

Charlottesville Mayor Juandiego Wade expressed optimism about the project’s impact, stating, “This gift, and the partnerships that it will strengthen, give me tremendous optimism for our community and for the children and families whose lives will be touched. Investments in early childhood learning are truly investments in future success.”

The planned early learning center is expected to accommodate over 100 children, up to age five, with provisions for free attendance for children from low-income families. Those from higher-income backgrounds will pay tuition. This initiative aligns with a broader community effort initiated in 2019 to explore strengthening partnerships between UVA and local organizations for community development.

The initiative will foster interdisciplinary collaborations with other UVA schools and institutes in fields such as clinical psychology, speech pathology, and neuroscience, enhancing the educational experiences provided at the center.

President Beardsley concluded, emphasizing the broader vision: “Through the continued generosity of the LaCross family, we are not just helping to establish a center, we are supporting a collaborative, sustainable model for early childhood education that will lift families, strengthen our regional workforce, and serve as a blueprint for communities across the nation.”