CaringU

Caring University (CaringU) is a free learning institute designed to foster positive community connections and youth development.
Page updated on May 19, 2026 at 3:53 PM
Translate icon
CaringU Banner

About CaringU

Caring University (CaringU) is a free learning institute designed to foster positive community connections and youth development. Through engaging, practical, and multilingual courses, CaringU equips caring adults with tools, knowledge, and confidence to support young people in their lives.

Who Can Participate & How to Register

Courses are available to all caring adults, including parents/guardians, caregivers, teachers, coaches, mentors, and volunteers. If you’re interested in facilitator-led courses, either in person or virtually via Zoom, please see below to register for upcoming courses.

Additional Learning & Resources

In addition to facilitator-led courses, on-demand courses and resources are available through CaringU’s online portal. See below to create a profile.

Youth-focused social-emotional learning courses coming in 2027!

Enroll in CaringU's Online Portal

Creating a profile on CaringU will provide access to on-demand courses and a variety of resources, in addition to in-person and Zoom registration links.

Enroll Here

Attend an Upcoming Facilitator-Led Course

All in-person and Zoom courses provided in collaboration with CaringU are open to the public. Register for an upcoming course below!

Only bottom of the child's nape to the right hand showing and child wearing a checkered collared shirt while holding a hand of an adult

El poder de las rutinas (Smooth Transitions)

May 19 | 6-7 p.m. 

Spanish | via Zoom

Diseñada para cuidadores, esta capacitación proporcionará habilidades valiosas para comunicarse mejor, gestionar el estrés y fortalecer los lazos familiares. 

Youth Mental Health First Aid Webbox

Youth Mental Health First Aid

May 28 | 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

English | 4850 Mark Center Drive

Learn how to help an adolescent who is experiencing a mental health concern, addiction challenge, or is in crisis.

Afghanistan's flag

Welcoming Afghan Refugees: A Training for Community Members

June 2 | 6-7 p.m.

English | Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library

Learn how to support Afghan refugees with cultural awareness, trauma insight, and inclusive practices to help build a welcoming community.

Silhouette of children holding hands while they raise their hands up in the air. Setting is outside with a blue and purple sky and the sun rising

Stewards of Children

June 17 | 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

English | Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library

Darkness to Light’s flagship training, Stewards of Children®, teaches adults practical actions they can take to reduce instances of child sexual abuse in their organizations, families, and communities.

Two females, one young and one older, on the left with their hands placed under their chins as they smile and pose for the camera. Two males, one young and one an adult, smiling and posing for the camera with the child holding a basketball on a blue wavy background

Mentoring 101

June 23 | 6-7 p.m

English | via Zoom

The Alexandria Mentoring Partnership team will share the basics of mentoring, explore Alexandria's needs, introduce partner programs, and answer questions as caring adults take the first step towards becoming a mentor. 

Hands cupped next to each other while holding a paper family cut out

Healthy Touch

June 29 | 10-11 a.m.

Spanish | via Microsoft Teams

El afecto y el contacto físico saludables son fundamentales para proteger a los niños del abuso sexual. Esta capacitación ofrece pautas sobre el contacto físico saludable y sobre cómo interactuar con los niños de manera segura y respetuosa.

Hands cupped next to each other while holding a paper family cut out

Healthy Touch

July 15 | 10-11 a.m.

English | via Microsoft Teams

Healthy affection and touch are key in protecting children from sexual abuse, especially when it comes from family members. This training shares guidelines for healthy touch and how to interact with children in safe and respectful ways. 

Two females, one young and one older, on the left with their hands placed under their chins as they smile and pose for the camera. Two males, one young and one an adult, smiling and posing for the camera with the child holding a basketball on a blue wavy background

Mentoring 101

July 18 | 11 a.m.-12 p.m.

English | via Zoom

The Alexandria Mentoring Partnership team will share the basics of mentoring, explore Alexandria's needs, introduce partner programs, and answer questions as caring adults take the first step towards becoming a mentor. 

CaringU Collaborators

Thank you to the following departments and organizations for providing courses in collaboration with CaringU.


Are you interested in providing a course through CaringU?

Submit an Interest Form

Contact Us

If you have any questions, are interested in facilitating a course, or have a course topic request, please share them here or contact Maddie Nance at madeline.nance@alexandriava.gov.

Connect With Us

RPCA Recreation Social Webbox

Follow Us on Social Media

RPCA News Webbox

Keep Up With RPCA News

Stay informed about Department programs, special events, community meetings, and more. Sign up for our free news platforms today:

Dark yellow background with lighter yellow highlights and a white magazine icon in the middle

Receive Our Program Guide by Mail

Stay in the know! Receive RPCA’s free seasonal program guide and view offerings before registration opens.

AMP Logo

Alexandria Mentoring Partnership

Recreation Page Webbox

Back to Recreation Homepage

Back to Homepage Recreation

Back to RPCA Homepage