CaringU

Caring University (CaringU) is a free learning institute designed to foster positive community connections and youth development.
Page updated on October 13, 2026 at 11:21 AM
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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 View Courses Ver cursos en español

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!

QPR Question, Persuade, and Refer

QPR – Suicide Prevention

October 13 | 1-3 p.m. | via Zoom

Learn three simple steps anyone can use to help save a life. Participants will gain skills to recognize warning signs and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help.

Led by the Department of Community & Human Services

Understanding ACEs

Understanding ACES

October 14 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | via Zoom

Develop a common language around ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences), trauma, and resilience, shifting our mindset about what we can do to build more resilient, healthy communities

Led by the Department of Community & Human Services

Everyone's an Asset Builder

Everyone’s an Asset Builder

October 21 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | 4850 Mark Center Dr.

Participants will learn about the Developmental Asset Approach and ways to offer support and care for our youth, their future, and our community's well-being.

Led by the Department of Community & Human Services

Developmental Relationships

Developmental Relationship Framework

October 27 | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | via Webex

Developmental relationships help youth discover who they are, build their abilities, and learn to contribute to the world around them. Explore this framework and proven approaches that help youth thrive.

Led by MENTOR Maryland | DC

Youth Mental Health First Aid Training

Youth Mental Health First Aid

October 28 | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | 4850 Mark Center Dr.

An evidence-based training to equip adults with knowledge and tools to help adolescents (ages 12-18) who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis.

Led by the Department of Community & Human Services

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Contacto Saludable para Niños y Jóvenes

4 de noviembre | 4 – 5 p.m. | por Zoom

Conozca las pautas basadas en evidencia para establecer límites seguros y ofrecer contacto afectuoso, protegiendo así a los niños del abuso sexual.

Liderado por el Center for Alexandria’s Children

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Mentoring 101

November 5 | 6-7 p.m. | via Zoom

Learn about the basics of mentoring, Alexandria’s needs, AMP’s partner programs, and ask questions to take the first step towards becoming a mentor.

Led by the Alexandria Mentoring Partnership (AMP)

Allied Provider Training AMP

Allied Provider Training

November 6 | 5:30-7 p.m. | via Zoom

Empowers service providers to support LGBTQIA+ youth through self-awareness, key LGBTQIA+ concepts, and strategies to guide youth through dating, building healthy connections, and avoiding abusive relationships.

Led by Safe Space NOVA

Talk Saves Lives AMP

Talk Saves Lives

November 17 | 10-11 a.m. | via Zoom

A suicide prevention training covering the scope of this leading cause of death, what research has found to be the warning signs and risk factors of suicide, and the strategies that prevent it.

Led by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

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It Takes One Caring Adult!

December 1 | 5:30-6:45 p.m. | Beatley Library

Learn how to recognize when youth may be struggling with mental health, how to respond in supportive ways, and when and how to connect with additional support.

Led by Alexandria City Public Schools’ Director of School Psychology

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.

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