CaringU

Caring University (CaringU) is a free learning institute designed to foster positive community connections and youth development.
Page updated on June 8, 2026 at 9:39 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

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!

Understanding ACEs

Understanding ACEs

June 11 | 1-3 p.m.

English | Via Zoom

This training helps participants develop a common language around ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences), trauma, and resilience in our community, thus shifting our mindset about what we can all do to build more resilient, healthy communities.

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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.

QPR Question, Persuade, and Refer

QPR: Question, Persuade & Refer

June 18 | 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

English | via Zoom

Participants will learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone for help. Participants may earn 2 CEU hours.

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. 

Youth Mental Health First Aid Training

Youth Mental Health First Aid Training

June 25 | 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

English | 4850 Mark Center Dr.

Participants will gain practical skills to support adolescents experiencing mental health or addiction challenges, including those in crisis. Participants may earn 8 CEU hours.

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.

Everyone's an Asset Builder

Everyone's an Asset Builder

June 30 | 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

English | 4850 Mark Center Dr.

Participants will learn about the Developmental Asset Approach and other valuable information on ways to offer support and care for our youth, their future, and our community's well-being. Participants may earn 4 CEU hours.

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.

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