The Advanced Career Education (ACE) Center at Highland Springs, located in Henrico County, Virginia, is a premier institution that offers high school students hands-on training in various career and technical fields. As part of Henrico County Public Schools (HCPS), the ACE Center at Highland Springs provides students with a unique opportunity to develop essential skills that prepare them for success in both college and the workforce. The center’s programs combine academic instruction with real-world experiences, giving students a competitive edge in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven job market.
This comprehensive guide will explore the ACE Center at Highland Springs, its diverse program offerings, student support services, and the positive role it plays in the community. Whether you are a student considering enrollment, a parent exploring educational options for your child, or a community member looking to support career and technical education, this article will provide valuable insights into the world of the ACE Center at Highland Springs.
History and Mission of the ACE Center at Highland Springs
Founding and Early Years
The ACE Center at Highland Springs has a long-standing history of offering career and technical education (CTE) programs to high school students in Henrico County. Originally founded as a vocational school, the center has grown and evolved over the years to meet the changing needs of the workforce and the demands of modern industries. The ACE Center’s mission is to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and certifications necessary to excel in various career paths, while also fostering a commitment to lifelong learning and professional development.
Growth and Development
As the demand for skilled workers has increased, so too has the ACE Center’s offerings. The center has expanded its programs to include a wide range of industries, from health care and information technology to construction and engineering. With the integration of cutting-edge technology, state-of-the-art facilities, and strong partnerships with local businesses, the ACE Center has become a hub for innovation and career readiness.
The ACE Center at Highland Springs continues to adapt its curriculum and programs to reflect the evolving job market, ensuring that students are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st-century workforce.
Mission and Vision
The ACE Center at Highland Springs is committed to providing high-quality career and technical education that prepares students for post-secondary education, employment, and lifelong success. The center’s vision is to create a learning environment that empowers students to achieve their career goals and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Through hands-on training, industry partnerships, and academic rigor, the ACE Center fosters a culture of excellence, leadership, and innovation.
Career and Technical Education Programs at the ACE Center
The ACE Center at Highland Springs offers a wide range of career and technical education (CTE) programs that provide students with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience in their chosen fields. These programs are designed to help students explore potential career paths, gain industry-recognized certifications, and develop the skills necessary for success in the workforce.
Health Science Programs
The health care industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the United States, and the ACE Center at Highland Springs offers several programs designed to prepare students for careers in this field.
- Nursing Assistant: The Nursing Assistant program provides students with the training and skills needed to work in various health care settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. Students learn about patient care, medical terminology, infection control, and basic nursing skills. Graduates of the program are eligible to take the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) exam, allowing them to enter the workforce immediately upon completion.
- Pharmacy Technician: In the Pharmacy Technician program, students learn how to assist pharmacists in preparing medications, managing inventory, and providing customer service in a pharmacy setting. The program covers pharmacology, medical terminology, and drug classifications, as well as the legal and ethical responsibilities of pharmacy technicians. Students who complete the program can earn their Pharmacy Technician Certification, a valuable credential in the health care industry.
Information Technology Programs
In today’s digital age, information technology (IT) skills are in high demand across nearly every industry. The ACE Center at Highland Springs offers several IT programs that prepare students for careers in technology.
- Cybersecurity: The Cybersecurity program teaches students how to protect computer networks and systems from cyber threats. Students learn about network security, encryption, ethical hacking, and data protection. The program emphasizes real-world applications of cybersecurity principles, and students have the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications such as CompTIA Security+ and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).
- Computer Systems Technology: The Computer Systems Technology program provides students with hands-on experience in computer hardware, software, networking, and troubleshooting. Students learn how to install, configure, and maintain computer systems, as well as how to provide technical support to users. The program also covers topics such as operating systems, cybersecurity, and virtualization, preparing students for careers in IT support and network administration.
Trade and Industrial Programs
For students interested in pursuing careers in construction, engineering, or skilled trades, the ACE Center at Highland Springs offers a variety of programs that provide hands-on training in these fields.
- HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning): The HVAC program teaches students how to install, maintain, and repair heating and cooling systems. Students learn about refrigeration cycles, electrical components, and system diagnostics. The program prepares students for entry-level positions in the HVAC industry, and students have the opportunity to earn certifications such as EPA Section 608 and HVAC Excellence.
- Carpentry: In the Carpentry program, students learn the fundamentals of construction, including blueprint reading, framing, roofing, and finish carpentry. Students gain hands-on experience in building structures and completing various woodworking projects. The program prepares students for careers in residential and commercial construction, as well as apprenticeship opportunities in the carpentry trade.
- Electricity: The Electricity program provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to work as electricians. Students learn about electrical circuits, wiring, safety procedures, and the National Electrical Code (NEC). The program prepares students for entry-level positions in the electrical trade and offers pathways to apprenticeship programs and certification.
Business and Marketing Programs
For students interested in entrepreneurship, business management, or marketing, the ACE Center at Highland Springs offers programs that develop essential business skills.
- Entrepreneurship: The Entrepreneurship program teaches students how to start and manage their own businesses. Students learn about business planning, financial management, marketing strategies, and customer service. The program encourages creativity and innovation, and students have the opportunity to develop their own business ideas and pitch them to potential investors.
- Marketing: In the Marketing program, students learn about advertising, sales, branding, and consumer behavior. The program covers topics such as digital marketing, social media strategies, and market research. Students gain practical experience by working on real marketing campaigns and participating in school-sponsored events.
Table 1: Overview of Programs at the ACE Center at Highland Springs
| Program Type | Description | Certifications Available |
| Nursing Assistant | Training in patient care, basic nursing skills | CNA Certification |
| Pharmacy Technician | Training in medication preparation, inventory management | Pharmacy Technician Certification |
| Cybersecurity | Training in network security, encryption, and ethical hacking | CompTIA Security+, CEH |
| Computer Systems Technology | Training in hardware, software, and networking | CompTIA A+, Network+ |
| HVAC | Training in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems | EPA Section 608, HVAC Excellence |
| Carpentry | Training in construction, framing, roofing | N/A |
| Electricity | Training in electrical circuits, wiring, and safety | N/A |
| Entrepreneurship | Training in business planning, financial management | N/A |
| Marketing | Training in advertising, branding, and consumer behavior | N/A |
Student Support Services at the ACE Center
In addition to its robust academic and technical programs, the ACE Center at Highland Springs provides a range of student support services designed to help students succeed both in school and beyond.
Career Counseling and Job Placement
The ACE Center offers career counseling services to help students explore their career interests, set goals, and develop plans for achieving them. Career counselors work with students to identify potential career paths, connect them with industry professionals, and provide guidance on post-secondary education and employment opportunities. The center also assists students with job placement, helping them secure internships, apprenticeships, and entry-level positions in their chosen fields.
Academic Support
The ACE Center provides academic support to ensure that all students have the resources they need to succeed. Teachers offer tutoring, one-on-one instruction, and additional support in core academic subjects such as math, science, and English. The center also offers study skills workshops and time management training to help students balance their academic and technical coursework.
Social-Emotional Support
The ACE Center recognizes the importance of supporting students’ social and emotional well-being. The school provides counseling services to help students navigate personal challenges, manage stress, and develop healthy relationships. School counselors are available to meet with students individually or in small groups to address issues such as anxiety, peer pressure, and self-esteem.
Table 2: Student Support Services at the ACE Center at Highland Springs
| Support Type | Description |
| Career Counseling | Guidance on career exploration, goal-setting, and job placement |
| Academic Support | Tutoring, one-on-one instruction, and study skills workshops |
| Social-Emotional Support | Counseling services to address personal challenges and emotional well-being |
Community Partnerships and Industry Connections
The ACE Center at Highland Springs maintains strong partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and industry leaders to provide students with valuable real-world experiences. These partnerships offer students opportunities for internships, job shadowing, and apprenticeships, allowing them to apply the skills they have learned in the classroom to real-world situations.
Industry Certifications
Many of the programs at the ACE Center prepare students to earn industry-recognized certifications that enhance their employability. These certifications, such as CNA, CompTIA Security+, and HVAC Excellence, are highly valued by employers and give students a competitive advantage when entering the workforce.
Internships and Apprenticeships
Through its partnerships with local businesses and industry professionals, the ACE Center offers students the chance to participate in internships and apprenticeships in their chosen fields. These hands-on experiences provide students with valuable work experience, networking opportunities, and potential job offers upon graduation.
Community Engagement
The ACE Center is also actively involved in the local community. Students participate in service-learning projects, volunteer initiatives, and community events that allow them to give back to their community while developing important leadership and teamwork skills.
Table 3: Community Partnerships and Industry Connections
| Partnership Type | Description |
| Industry Certifications | Certifications in health care, IT, HVAC, and more |
| Internships and Apprenticeships | Opportunities for hands-on work experience and job placement |
| Community Engagement | Service-learning projects and volunteer initiatives |
Frequently Asked Questions About the ACE Center at Highland Springs
- Who is eligible to attend the ACE Center at Highland Springs? The ACE Center is open to high school students in Henrico County Public Schools. Students typically apply during their sophomore or junior year and attend the center for half of the school day while completing their core academic courses at their home high school.
- What are the application requirements for the ACE Center? Students interested in attending the ACE Center must complete an application, which may include an interview, recommendation letters, and a review of academic records. The application process typically begins in the spring of the student’s sophomore year.
- What certifications can students earn at the ACE Center? Students at the ACE Center can earn industry-recognized certifications in fields such as nursing, cybersecurity, HVAC, and more. These certifications help students secure employment immediately upon graduation.
- Does the ACE Center offer post-secondary education pathways? Yes, many programs at the ACE Center are designed to provide students with a pathway to further education. Students can earn dual enrollment credits through partnerships with local community colleges, allowing them to pursue an associate’s degree or additional certifications after high school.
- How can local businesses get involved with the ACE Center? Local businesses can partner with the ACE Center by offering internships, apprenticeships, guest speaking opportunities, and job placements for students. Businesses interested in partnering with the ACE Center can contact the school’s career counseling department for more information.
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The ACE Center at Highland Springs is a dynamic and innovative institution that provides high school students with the skills, knowledge, and certifications needed to succeed in a variety of career paths. With its wide range of programs, strong industry partnerships, and comprehensive support services, the ACE Center prepares students for success in both the workforce and post-secondary education. Whether you are a student, parent, or community member, the ACE Center at Highland Springs offers numerous opportunities for growth, learning, and success.