News from the Homefront:
In School SAT Day
Western will be giving the SAT to juniors on 24 March. There is no need to sign up or to pay for this. We will register students and there is no cost to take it. Looking to practice before the big day? Link your PSAT to Khan Academy and review material you missed. There's no cost for that either!
Free Medical Clinic:
These materials and the activity described herein are not sponsored or endorsed by the Albemarle County School Board.
Western will be giving the SAT to juniors on 24 March. There is no need to sign up or to pay for this. We will register students and there is no cost to take it. Looking to practice before the big day? Link your PSAT to Khan Academy and review material you missed. There's no cost for that either!
Free Medical Clinic:
These materials and the activity described herein are not sponsored or endorsed by the Albemarle County School Board.
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Post High Workshops for Students
Beginning next week on 10 & 11 March, I will be offering a series of talks on options for students at WAHS for when they graduate. I will offer these on an A day and a B Day each week. There will be a limit of 30 kids each session. These are designed for juniors who want to understand the following things:
High School Programming Contest at UVA
HSPC is an annual competitive programming experience for high schoolers, where students work in teams of four to solve fun and challenging computer science problems with the opportunity to win prizes. Students can choose to compete in one of two divisions, Division 1 (for more experienced students) and Division 2 (for students new to competitive programming). This year's contest will be held at UVA on Saturday, April 11th. Registration is currently open on Eventbrite– each team’s registration fee is $40, but if cost would be a barrier for your students or program, please let us know! We’re happy to work with you to make participation possible. More information can be found in this HSPC 2026 Info Packet.
Beginning next week on 10 & 11 March, I will be offering a series of talks on options for students at WAHS for when they graduate. I will offer these on an A day and a B Day each week. There will be a limit of 30 kids each session. These are designed for juniors who want to understand the following things:
- What are my options after high school?
- How does college differ from high school?
- How do I pay for college and other programs after high school?
- What kinds of things can I study in which colleges?
High School Programming Contest at UVA
HSPC is an annual competitive programming experience for high schoolers, where students work in teams of four to solve fun and challenging computer science problems with the opportunity to win prizes. Students can choose to compete in one of two divisions, Division 1 (for more experienced students) and Division 2 (for students new to competitive programming). This year's contest will be held at UVA on Saturday, April 11th. Registration is currently open on Eventbrite– each team’s registration fee is $40, but if cost would be a barrier for your students or program, please let us know! We’re happy to work with you to make participation possible. More information can be found in this HSPC 2026 Info Packet.
Charlottesville Chess Classic!
Senior Day at PVCC
Senior Day is next Tuesday 3/10, is hosted by PVCC and includes not only 2 year degree and certification information, but also employers looking to hire high school graduates, support for voter registration, housing/renters information, and many other adulting things. Interested students do need a permission form (outside Ms. Rittenhouse's office and in the front office and she's happy to bring you one if you'd like). We have a bus leaving at 9:45 and returning by 12:15 so CATEC students should be fine. Ask Ms. Rittenhouse. Here is a list of everyone who will be there!
- Players of all levels in good academic standing are warmly invited to the Fourth Annual Charlottesville Chess Classic Tournament for grades 7-12! The tournament is FREE, but registration at this link is required.
- Where: Renaissance School, 418 E Jefferson St, Charlottesville 22902
- When: Saturday March 14, 2026, Doors at 9:30am, Competition at 10:00am
- What: Swiss format non-elimination 5-round chess tournament
- Who: Players of all levels in 7-12th grade in the greater Charlottesville area in good academic standing. New this year: 7th & 8th graders welcome!
- Cost: FREE!
Senior Day at PVCC
Senior Day is next Tuesday 3/10, is hosted by PVCC and includes not only 2 year degree and certification information, but also employers looking to hire high school graduates, support for voter registration, housing/renters information, and many other adulting things. Interested students do need a permission form (outside Ms. Rittenhouse's office and in the front office and she's happy to bring you one if you'd like). We have a bus leaving at 9:45 and returning by 12:15 so CATEC students should be fine. Ask Ms. Rittenhouse. Here is a list of everyone who will be there!
Job Fair
Each of the comprehensive high schools will host a job fair in March. They will have opportunities for students for summer work, post high employment, and will also include training programs. Plan to come to the cafeteria to find out more. Want more info? Ask Ms. Rittenhouse.
Each of the comprehensive high schools will host a job fair in March. They will have opportunities for students for summer work, post high employment, and will also include training programs. Plan to come to the cafeteria to find out more. Want more info? Ask Ms. Rittenhouse.
Book Drive
Help us collect books for Bright Beginnings Pre-School for WAHS With a Cause!
Help us collect books for Bright Beginnings Pre-School for WAHS With a Cause!
The TYDE Hackathon Is Coming!
Thriving Youth in the Digital Age (TYDE) hosts a Hackathon on 21 March. You must apply to attend. Learn to make pitches, network with folks, and better people's mental health (including yours!). Participants receive a $50 prize for participating. Breakfast, lunch and snacks are included as well. Winners take home cash prizes!
At WAHS We're ALWAYS Better Together!
The Western Albemarle Student Senate is hosting Always Better Together, our 3rd annual culture and community celebration. Please join us on Friday, March 13 from 4:30 – 6:30 for a fun-filled afternoon of music, dance, games, community guests, and a delicious cultural dinner. We are also collecting donations of dinner items and desserts.
Thriving Youth in the Digital Age (TYDE) hosts a Hackathon on 21 March. You must apply to attend. Learn to make pitches, network with folks, and better people's mental health (including yours!). Participants receive a $50 prize for participating. Breakfast, lunch and snacks are included as well. Winners take home cash prizes!
At WAHS We're ALWAYS Better Together!
The Western Albemarle Student Senate is hosting Always Better Together, our 3rd annual culture and community celebration. Please join us on Friday, March 13 from 4:30 – 6:30 for a fun-filled afternoon of music, dance, games, community guests, and a delicious cultural dinner. We are also collecting donations of dinner items and desserts.
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Tomorrow is a(n) A day
Upcoming Events:
Upcoming Events:
- 5 March – Conferences
- 13 March – End of 3rd Quarter
- 13 March – Better Together!
- 19 March – Snow Make Up Day
- 20 March – Teacher Work Day, No School for Students
- 24 March – In School SAT Day
- 27 March – Arts Fest in the West
- 30 March – WAHS with a Cause
- 6-10 April – Spring Break
- 20 April – Model Congress
- 23 April – Post High Planning Night
- 23-25 April – High School Musical
- 1 May – PVCC Final
- 2 May – Prom
- 4 May – AP Testing Begins
- 12 May – Last Day of Classes for Seniors
- 22 May – Graduation
- 25 May – Memorial Day
- 29 May – Last Day of School (1/2 Day)
Use Your Brain for Fun (&$)!
Photo by SATUVISION Digital Agency on Unsplash
Humanities & Social SciencesSubmit your haiku to the Haiku and Senryu Poetry Contest. Submissions are due on 20 March.
Jacklyn Potter Young Poets Contest is taking submissions until 15 March. You can submit up to 5 poems. Stossel in the Classroom encourages students to submit an essay on one of four topics that are in the news right now. Submit your essay by 13 March Playwrights! The Blank Theater takes submissions of your original work, produces them with professional actors and flies you to Hollywood for the premier! Submit your work by 15 March The DNA Day Essay contest is open and taking submissions. It is open to students 9-12 and closes on 4 March Visual and Performing ArtsThe Thespian Society has a series of scholarships open right now.
The Young American Patriotic Art Contest is open to people in grades 9-12. Submit your work by 31 March Does a new laptop sound good? Submit your work to the 2026 NAGYN Art Contest. Open to students in grades 9-12. Submit by 31 March Submit your work to the Fine Art Contest! Winners get $1,000. Submit by 23 March Stossel in the Classroom encourages students to submit a video on one of four topics that are in the news right now. Submit your essay by 13 March Project Yellow Light invites you to create a billboard (1 March), video or radio PSA about distracted driving. It's worth up to $8,000. |
Photo by ThisisEngineering on Unsplash
STEMThe Society of Women Engineers offers scholarships to women planning to go into engineering. Apply by 31 March
Designers and engineers, can you use aluminum to solve problems? the 2026 Aluminum Extrusion Student Design Contest offers up to $5,000 for a winning design. Apply by 30 March Microsoft offers two scholarships to encourage under represented people to go into a STEM Field. Black at Microsoft offers $5,000. Apply by 16 March. Women at Microsoft has $5,000 for you. Apply by 27 March Are you a woman in Ag? There are a number of scholarships for you if you plan a career in Agribusiness! Check out American Agri-Woman today! 
Photo by PITTI EDU on Unsplash
Skilled TradesTrades and Tech are sponsoring a local (Piedmont, VA) scholarship for folks who want to pursue the skilled trades. Apply by 15 March.
Home Depot offers $2,500 to students planning a career in the trades. Apply by 31 March Planning a career in cosmetology? Great Clips has $5,000 for you! Apply now! Goya Foods wants to give those planning to go into the culinary field $5,000 towards their education. Apply by 3 March Want to go into welding? The American Welding Society can help! They have multiple scholarship options. SEMA offers scholarship money to pay off student loans to those who are pursuing a career in Skilled Trades. Apply by 3 April |
Scholarships for Seniors
Crozet Baptist Church awards 2 scholarships yearly named for Hallie and Paul Cale. Awards in the past have been a one time payment of $2,500 for the 1st semester and $2,500 for the 2nd semester paid directly to the university. Selection is based on Character, Academic Record, Financial Need, and Leadership. These awards are for WAHS only and the application is easy!!
Please fill out this google form application to apply by Wednesday, April 15th.
The Albemarle County Democrats are sponsoring their James and Nellie Butler Scholarship once again to graduating Seniors. Each area high school will have one recipient for $2,000.
Scholarship application deadline is May 1, 2026 by MIDNIGHT.
Our criteria for the awards is threefold:
1) a demonstrated record of community service and/or ambitious plans for prospective community service;
2) academic record; and
3) financial need.
The most weight is accorded criterion #1 (community service record and interest), with criteria numbers 2 & 3 are weighted only a little less proportionately. Butler Scholarship Information and Application
The Virginia EL Supervisors’ Association (VESA) is pleased to offer one-time scholarships to English Learners who plan to continue their education at a college, university, community college, or workforce training program. Only complete applications will be reviewed. The deadline for submitting applications is April 24, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. EST.
Scholarship applicants must meet the following criteria:
· Enrollment in an ESL program for at least one year in grades 6–12 in a Virginia public school
· Enrollment in 12th grade at the time of application
· Demonstrated financial need
· Strong, student-written essays
Application Deadline: April 24, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. EST
More Information: http://www.vavesa.org/scholarships
For questions, please contact Samuel Klein at [email protected] or 703-228-6095.
Chihamba African American Heritage Scholarship
The African American Heritage Scholarship supports graduating seniors of African descent from Charlottesville, Albemarle County, and the surrounding metropolitan area who are pursuing postsecondary education. Scholarships are available for students attending trade schools, community colleges, colleges or universities, and HBCUs.
Eligibility requirements include:
• Graduation from a public high school in the region
• Acceptance to a fall 2026 in-person program
• A minimum GPA of 2.5
Students must complete the full application and submit:
• A copy of their 2026 acceptance letter
• A minimum 400-word essay responding to:
– What they hope to learn and experience at their chosen school
– How their education will prepare them for a career or trade
– How their success will benefit or impact the African American community
Important dates:
• Application deadline: March 16, 2026
• Recipient notification: No later than April 6, 2026
• Minimum scholarship award: $500
Scholarship recipients will be honored during the 35th African American Cultural Arts Festival on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Booker T. Washington Park in Charlottesville.
Completed applications should be emailed to [email protected] with the subject line:
“Chihamba African American Heritage Scholarship 2026”
If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact Page West Hill at (434) 826-9259 or [email protected].
100 Black Men of Central Virginia
Even though this scholarship may seem like it is only for Black Men, it is open to all people of color. Generally speaking, if you have a 3.0 or higher and you fill out the application in its entirety, you will most likely win $1,000. Can't beat that!!! Due March 30.
The 2026 VSCA Scholarship is now open for essay submissions! This award is designed to support graduating seniors who write an essay about a school counselor in Virginia who has influenced their life at any time during their academic career. Application attached. Application is due by 28 March
The Widow Son's Lodge #60 Scholarship is now available and attached to this email (the 2025 application is identical to the 2026 app). If you would like a paper copy, please see Ms. Poole in Counseling.
Seniors, with financial need can submit their completed applications to the Guidance Office before March 31st, along with the following required materials:
Alternatively, students may choose to:
1741 County Line Lane
Ruckersville, VA 22968
Please fill out this google form application to apply by Wednesday, April 15th.
The Albemarle County Democrats are sponsoring their James and Nellie Butler Scholarship once again to graduating Seniors. Each area high school will have one recipient for $2,000.
Scholarship application deadline is May 1, 2026 by MIDNIGHT.
Our criteria for the awards is threefold:
1) a demonstrated record of community service and/or ambitious plans for prospective community service;
2) academic record; and
3) financial need.
The most weight is accorded criterion #1 (community service record and interest), with criteria numbers 2 & 3 are weighted only a little less proportionately. Butler Scholarship Information and Application
The Virginia EL Supervisors’ Association (VESA) is pleased to offer one-time scholarships to English Learners who plan to continue their education at a college, university, community college, or workforce training program. Only complete applications will be reviewed. The deadline for submitting applications is April 24, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. EST.
Scholarship applicants must meet the following criteria:
· Enrollment in an ESL program for at least one year in grades 6–12 in a Virginia public school
· Enrollment in 12th grade at the time of application
· Demonstrated financial need
· Strong, student-written essays
Application Deadline: April 24, 2026, by 5:00 p.m. EST
More Information: http://www.vavesa.org/scholarships
For questions, please contact Samuel Klein at [email protected] or 703-228-6095.
Chihamba African American Heritage Scholarship
The African American Heritage Scholarship supports graduating seniors of African descent from Charlottesville, Albemarle County, and the surrounding metropolitan area who are pursuing postsecondary education. Scholarships are available for students attending trade schools, community colleges, colleges or universities, and HBCUs.
Eligibility requirements include:
• Graduation from a public high school in the region
• Acceptance to a fall 2026 in-person program
• A minimum GPA of 2.5
Students must complete the full application and submit:
• A copy of their 2026 acceptance letter
• A minimum 400-word essay responding to:
– What they hope to learn and experience at their chosen school
– How their education will prepare them for a career or trade
– How their success will benefit or impact the African American community
Important dates:
• Application deadline: March 16, 2026
• Recipient notification: No later than April 6, 2026
• Minimum scholarship award: $500
Scholarship recipients will be honored during the 35th African American Cultural Arts Festival on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Booker T. Washington Park in Charlottesville.
Completed applications should be emailed to [email protected] with the subject line:
“Chihamba African American Heritage Scholarship 2026”
If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact Page West Hill at (434) 826-9259 or [email protected].
100 Black Men of Central Virginia
Even though this scholarship may seem like it is only for Black Men, it is open to all people of color. Generally speaking, if you have a 3.0 or higher and you fill out the application in its entirety, you will most likely win $1,000. Can't beat that!!! Due March 30.
The 2026 VSCA Scholarship is now open for essay submissions! This award is designed to support graduating seniors who write an essay about a school counselor in Virginia who has influenced their life at any time during their academic career. Application attached. Application is due by 28 March
The Widow Son's Lodge #60 Scholarship is now available and attached to this email (the 2025 application is identical to the 2026 app). If you would like a paper copy, please see Ms. Poole in Counseling.
Seniors, with financial need can submit their completed applications to the Guidance Office before March 31st, along with the following required materials:
- An up-to-date transcript
- A copy of their college acceptance letter
- A brief description of why they chose their college and whether they plan to return to Charlottesville after their studies
Alternatively, students may choose to:
- Email their application and materials to [email protected], or
- Mail them to the following address, ensuring they are received by March 31st.:
1741 County Line Lane
Ruckersville, VA 22968
Scholarships for Juniors!
ATTENTION JUNIORS: Applications for the impact-driven, four-year, full-tuition Cameron Impact Scholarship are officially open for the CLASS OF 2027.
The Cameron Impact Scholarship is impact-driven and open to all applicants who meet the GPA and citizenship requirements, regardless of race, socioeconomic status, religion, sexual orientation or any other background factors. Integrity, intelligence, motivation, work ethic, and willingness to serve others are the strongest indicators of a worthy educational investment.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: MAY 1, 2026 at 12PM PT (NOON) - OR - when we reach 3,000 eligible and complete applications - whichever occurs first.
We are only able to accept and review a total of 3,000 complete and eligible applications - please note that we typically reach capacity prior to the deadline and we STRONGLY ENCOURAGE applicants to submit well before the deadline.
https://www.bryancameroneducationfoundation.org/scholarship
The Cameron Impact Scholarship is impact-driven and open to all applicants who meet the GPA and citizenship requirements, regardless of race, socioeconomic status, religion, sexual orientation or any other background factors. Integrity, intelligence, motivation, work ethic, and willingness to serve others are the strongest indicators of a worthy educational investment.
- 15 scholarships awarded per annum
- Four-year, full tuition scholarship (actual dollar amount varies based upon school selection)
- Freedom in choice of school and area of study
- Accepting applications for the Class of 2027 - JUNIORS;
- have a cumulative unweighted GPA of 3.7 or higher;
- be a citizen of the United States.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: MAY 1, 2026 at 12PM PT (NOON) - OR - when we reach 3,000 eligible and complete applications - whichever occurs first.
We are only able to accept and review a total of 3,000 complete and eligible applications - please note that we typically reach capacity prior to the deadline and we STRONGLY ENCOURAGE applicants to submit well before the deadline.
https://www.bryancameroneducationfoundation.org/scholarship
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Self Care:
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Scholarships
Do you need money to make post high a reality? Start with these two databases!
Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award has a spring deadline as well. Apply by 15 April for a chance at a $10,000.
The Herbert Lehman Education Fund offers up to $10,000 to students with demonstrated need. Apply by 1 April Create Real Impact invites you to submit a campaign to reduce reckless driving. Register to compete by 30 March. Win up to $10,000 The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes gives young people between the ages of 8 and 18 up to $10,000 for community service projects they have spearheaded. Apply by 15 March Are you the child or grandchild of someone who served in the Navy? Get up to $10,000 in scholarships. Apply by 15 March The UTC Scholarships offer up to $6,000 yearly for students planning on attending a 4 year school. Apply by 15 March The Kim and Harald Louie Foundation offers up to $100,000 in scholarships for talented seniors in high school. GPA and SAT requirements. Apply by 15 March AICPA offers up to $10,000 for people who are interested in becoming CPAs. Apply by 15 March. Planning a future in building and construction? NPCA offers up to $20,000 in scholarship money and internship opportunities. Apply by 13 March. Do Good Things for PeopleEnjoy a benefit concert for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank on Friday.
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Summer's Coming!
Looking for great things to do this summer? Look no further!
And also don't skip this!
And also don't skip this!
NASA's GeneLab for High School Students Summer Program is taking applications until 15 March. GL4HS will continue offering its asynchronous summer program in 2026. The program will consist of 12 weeks of on-demand training and will run June 1st through August 28th, 2026. Applications for the 2026 program will open on February 15 and remain open for one month, closing on March 15, or until 1,000 applications are received, whichever occurs first. Join our mailing list to receive the latest updates. High school transcripts are required for all applications. Only digital (scanned) copies in PDF format will be accepted and must be submitted through the online application form. Applications submitted after the application period closes will not be reviewed.
The Sorenson High School Leaders Program is taking applications. This is a great program for folks interested in politics and in making changes in their communities. We had a student attend one year and the bill he developed with other students was actually passed by the General Assembly. Apply now!
William & Mary offers a series of law related programs through the Center for Legal & Court Technology (CLCT) at William & Mary Law School in Virginia! Taught by law professors, these include:
SOAR is the Summer Opportunities in Academic Research offered by UVA. This program places you with researchers to do work in areas like Health Care, Data Science, AI, and more. It is a competitive program and students must apply. Students who participate will receive a free laptop. See below for more!
The Sorenson High School Leaders Program is taking applications. This is a great program for folks interested in politics and in making changes in their communities. We had a student attend one year and the bill he developed with other students was actually passed by the General Assembly. Apply now!
William & Mary offers a series of law related programs through the Center for Legal & Court Technology (CLCT) at William & Mary Law School in Virginia! Taught by law professors, these include:
- Introduction to Law & the United States Legal System
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and the Law
- Introduction to Search and Seizure
SOAR is the Summer Opportunities in Academic Research offered by UVA. This program places you with researchers to do work in areas like Health Care, Data Science, AI, and more. It is a competitive program and students must apply. Students who participate will receive a free laptop. See below for more!
"The Best School" and "The Best School for You" should be one and the same. You're not buying a pair of shoes. You're going to school for four years. Just because it's a good brand name, doesn't mean it fits you or that you're comfortable there.
College Corner
Spring Hill College, Mobile, Alabama
Don't Go to College
According to Georgetown’s Center on Education and the Workforce, 72% of jobs will require more than a high school diploma in 2031. But only 42% of jobs will require a bachelor’s degree. Given that this year’s graduating class of 2026 will become the college graduating class of 2030, these projections seem pretty relevant.
So what can you do without a bachelor’s degree? I mean won’t those jobs pay a lot less?
Actually, no. The reality is that there are a lot of jobs in our economy that require training past high school but that do not require a four year college degree. If you’ve ever winced at the bill from the plumber or electrician, you know there are many jobs out there that pay very well.
In Virginia we have several programs that will set students up for future success in the skilled trades and in health care. They are worth considering because they aren’t just setting students up for great careers, they actually pay you as you learn.
The first of these programs is UVA’s Earn While You Learn program. This is a program that pays you for 36-40 hours a week as soon as you start. They also pay for your classes, exam fees, health insurance, and if that’s not good enough they guarantee you a job upon completion of the program. What can you study? They have programs in things like Respiratory Technician, EMT, and phlebotomy. But they also have programming in surgical technology, MRI, and cardiac sonography. You could go to nursing school to become an RN, or you can do this program and someone else can pay for you to become an RN. Because $0 is my favorite price.
Another program to consider is the Apprenticeship Program at UVA. Like Earn While You Learn, you are paid a salary the day you show up. They take 15 people a year for the program and trades include things like HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and carpentry. Apprentices earn a salary while being trained and are offered jobs at the end of the training program. Recruitment begins in the spring so it’s worth considering it. UVA’s program is actually the model for many others across the state and country. It’s serious work. And serious reward.
Virginia is also home to the Apprentice School in Newport News. Like these other programs you are paid from the time you enter until graduation. They also offer health insurance and a retirement plan as you attend the school. This school is focused on the Shipbuilding Professions but also on all the other skilled work that supports those. Choose from work like welding and pipe fitting, pattern making and machinist. But other options include meteorology, supply chain management, and nuclear test technician. And every six months they give you a raise.
Finally, while we think of CATEC as a place for high school students, it’s much more than that. Their Adult Ed/Apprenticeship programming has a lot to offer. There are scholarship rounds two times a year to help with costs and multiple programs that can lead to excellent careers. Possibilities include medical billing, CISCO certified network associate, web development, book keeping, marketing, project management, paralegal, as well as what most people think of like their plumbing, electrical, carpentry, or cosmetology. They also offer online certifications in areas like dental technician, dialysis, and veterinary technician. And there are multiple other certificates available in fields like data analysis, accounting, and social media business.
Before throwing (hundreds of) thousands of dollars on a bachelor’s degree, consider that some of these programs are available to you and worth serious consideration. You might find that traditional college isn’t on your radar anymore.
So what can you do without a bachelor’s degree? I mean won’t those jobs pay a lot less?
Actually, no. The reality is that there are a lot of jobs in our economy that require training past high school but that do not require a four year college degree. If you’ve ever winced at the bill from the plumber or electrician, you know there are many jobs out there that pay very well.
In Virginia we have several programs that will set students up for future success in the skilled trades and in health care. They are worth considering because they aren’t just setting students up for great careers, they actually pay you as you learn.
The first of these programs is UVA’s Earn While You Learn program. This is a program that pays you for 36-40 hours a week as soon as you start. They also pay for your classes, exam fees, health insurance, and if that’s not good enough they guarantee you a job upon completion of the program. What can you study? They have programs in things like Respiratory Technician, EMT, and phlebotomy. But they also have programming in surgical technology, MRI, and cardiac sonography. You could go to nursing school to become an RN, or you can do this program and someone else can pay for you to become an RN. Because $0 is my favorite price.
Another program to consider is the Apprenticeship Program at UVA. Like Earn While You Learn, you are paid a salary the day you show up. They take 15 people a year for the program and trades include things like HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and carpentry. Apprentices earn a salary while being trained and are offered jobs at the end of the training program. Recruitment begins in the spring so it’s worth considering it. UVA’s program is actually the model for many others across the state and country. It’s serious work. And serious reward.
Virginia is also home to the Apprentice School in Newport News. Like these other programs you are paid from the time you enter until graduation. They also offer health insurance and a retirement plan as you attend the school. This school is focused on the Shipbuilding Professions but also on all the other skilled work that supports those. Choose from work like welding and pipe fitting, pattern making and machinist. But other options include meteorology, supply chain management, and nuclear test technician. And every six months they give you a raise.
Finally, while we think of CATEC as a place for high school students, it’s much more than that. Their Adult Ed/Apprenticeship programming has a lot to offer. There are scholarship rounds two times a year to help with costs and multiple programs that can lead to excellent careers. Possibilities include medical billing, CISCO certified network associate, web development, book keeping, marketing, project management, paralegal, as well as what most people think of like their plumbing, electrical, carpentry, or cosmetology. They also offer online certifications in areas like dental technician, dialysis, and veterinary technician. And there are multiple other certificates available in fields like data analysis, accounting, and social media business.
Before throwing (hundreds of) thousands of dollars on a bachelor’s degree, consider that some of these programs are available to you and worth serious consideration. You might find that traditional college isn’t on your radar anymore.
On the Town
- Monticello is host to the Pursuits of Knowledge series on Thursdays
- Tonight it's Films Talk Back Patrice – The Movie
- This weekend is the Banf Center Mountain Film Festival
- Sweeny Todd is being performed this weekend
- This weekend you can see Emma at Live Arts
- The Hound of the Baskervilles runs this weekend
- This weekend you can enjoy Jane Austen's Persuasion
- It's Friday Night Writes!
- Tomorrow the McGuffey Art Center has multiple gallery openings
- The Greenhorns perform Friday
- Tomorrow 2nd Street Gallery is home to 1st Friday
- Saturday the Eastern Boundary Quartet perform
- Learn about Composting on Saturday
- Saturday is Lights On Blackfriars
- Saturday the Cheick Hamala Diabate Band with Corey Harris perform
- Darnell Lamont Walker will be discussing his book Never Can Say Goodbye on Saturday
- Sunday you can hear about Nature as Infrastructure: New Research from UVA's Natural Infrastructure Program
- Enjoy Twelfth Night on Sunday
- Monday The Rhythm of the Dance is at the Paramount
- Tuesday is An Evening With Presidential Advisors Jeanne Becker and Tom Collamore
- Tomorrow Talks | The Courage to Repair: Introduction to Restorative Justice is on Tuesday
- Wednesday the Richmond Ballet perform
