A student can grind through coursework to earn certifications, professional licenses, and college credits—but are they truly prepared for the financial realities of adulthood? In today’s fast-paced world, financial readiness is just as critical as a diploma. That is where the incredible team at Henrico Credit Union steps in. Led by Marketing Manager Charity Rupp and Rachel Johnston, Financial Education Specialist, they are providing life-changing tools and guidance to ensure both students and adults are empowered to own their financial futures!

The total "Care Economy," which includes both paid and unpaid care, is currently valued at roughly $6 trillion (nearly a quarter of U.S. GDP), and experts warn it is at risk of significant contraction due to these labor shortages.

Today, we talk with Mary Helen Crowder, Home Health Aide Instructor, at the ACE Center at Hermitage, about what Henrico County Schools are doing to do their part to close the healthcare labor gap. We were visited by one of Mary’s outstanding students and spoke with her about her experiences in the program.

When professional home health aides are unavailable or unaffordable, the burden shifts to family members. As of late 2025, the estimated economic value of unpaid caregiving in the U.S. has climbed to over $1 trillion annually. A study in Health Affairs estimated the personal cost of unearned income for family caregivers at roughly $67 billion per year, a figure expected to double by 2050 as the "silver tsunami" of aging retirees intensifies.

2025 was nothing short of extraordinary for Henrico’s CTE! From record-breaking student achievements to powerful new industry partnerships, the growth has been relentless. As we gear up for an even bigger 2026, join us for a look back at the most game-changing conversations that defined our year. Hit play and get inspired!

Episode: Designing Your Future: Career Pathways in Architecture

Architecture encompasses a wide range of fields and areas of expertise. In this episode, professional architects Allison Leighton and Billy Riggs share what sparked their interest at a young age and which CTE skills students can use to build their own foundation for career success.   

Join us for an exciting conversation with Kim Evans, CAD & Architectural Drafting instructor and SkillsUSA Advisor, and her dynamic student leaders, Carter Bush and Quincy Wilson. They break down the world of Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD)—explaining its essential role in today's economy. Plus, discover the inspiring journey of how Quincy and Carter found their passion, joined the program, and became key student officers in SkillsUSA!

We visit with Jeremy Davis- Regional Workforce Development Manager, and Curtis Tinsley- Senior Virtual Design Manager at Miller Electric and discuss the "electrification of everything," and how that, with the slow pace of new young people to get into the electrical field and with over 30% of union electricians are due to retire soon creates a perfect storm for electrical contractors. Companies do not have enough workers to fulfill the work needed to be completed, now means salaries are high and still rising. Have a listen.

We recorded this week's episode at this year's #LifeReady Expo and talked with students and businesses who attended. We discussed the event and why it's important for businesses to talk with students about what they need to do to prepare academically, and what skills these companies would like students to have before they apply. It's all about being career and college ready.

Get ready for a treat, dog lovers! In our newest episode, we're wagging our tails with excitement as we sit down with Emily Bracken, Head Trainer and Owner of Dog Lovers Obedience School. We also have Karen Bickett, one of the Veterinary Science instructors at the ACE Center at Hermitage, joining the conversation.

Emily is a shining example of the ACE Center's success. As a graduate of the program herself, she's been training dogs for years, even before she officially graduated! Join us as we dig into how her education at the ACE Center laid the foundation for her thriving business. This episode is packed with invaluable insights for anyone passionate about pets and professional success!

We talk with Tim Price, Critical Environment Engineer, and Eric Polito, Critical Operations Supervisor, both with QTS Data Centers about the explosive growth of data centers here in Henrico and the state. With that growth comes new tech jobs to fill positions in these data centers for now and years to come.

https://qtsdatacenters.com/

In this episode, we talk with Jessica Behmke and Trena Sailer, both members of the Richmond Chapter of NAWIC, the National Association of Women in Construction. They were working with some young ladies who are learning about the different construction trades, not just to learn about them, but to possibly make the trades a career. Sponsored by the Richmond Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction, Camp NAWIC brings together Trades professionals and middle school girls for an empowering, hands-on, and unique week-long building experience.  

https://www.nawicrichmond.org/