Pursuant to Virginia Code § 23.1-615.1, this report provides an update on the implementation of the Enslaved Ancestors College Access Scholarship and Memorial Program, at five of the Commonwealth’s public institutions. Longwood University, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Military Institute, University of Virginia and William & Mary are required to implement the program without the use of state funds.

The specific requirements of the program include identifying and memorializing enslaved individuals who labored on the institutionally controlled grounds and provide a college scholarship or community-based economic development program for individuals or communities with specific ties to slavery. Each individual institution implemented the program with different approaches while remaining consistent with the requirements of the program. These efforts at research, recognition and identification give a name to those who have not been recognized individually or dignified collectively and present an opportunity for learning, engagement and investment in communities with historical ties to slavery.