Benjamin Franklin
Acuitur is a non-profit organization based in Richmond, VA, dedicated to developing the next generation of skilled professionals. We want to provide state-of-the-art technical training and pre-apprenticeship programs for young people, connecting them directly to high-demand careers. The name Acuitur is Latin for "to be sharpened."
The Forge will be Acuitur's cutting-edge training facility. It's where our students can get hands-on experience with the latest technology and equipment, learning directly from industry experts in a real-world workshop environment.
Our curriculum is to be developed in direct partnership with local industries to meet their specific workforce needs. Initial programs will focus on high-demand fields in the Richmond area, such as advanced manufacturing, industrial mechanics, welding, and data center technology. Our offerings will evolve to match the needs of our corporate partners.
This is our core philosophy, from the proverb, "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." It means we believe in a collaborative environment where students, instructors, and industry mentors all learn from each other, pushing one another to achieve excellence and grow together.
While we will provide education, Acuitur is best described as a workforce development engine. We are a non-profit partner to traditional school systems, offering specialized, hands-on training that acts as a direct bridge from learning to earning a great living.
Our programs will be designed for motivated young people in the greater Richmond area, between the ages of 14 and 20.
Yes. Thanks to our (future) generous corporate and community partners, all approved Acuitur programs will be offered completely tuition-free to our students. Our goal is to create pathways to success without the burden of student debt.
Acuitur will provide an accelerated, focused path directly into a skilled career. While college is a great path for many, our programs will be for those who want to learn by doing and start their career sooner. Graduates will leave with professional certifications and in-demand skills, ready to enter the workforce immediately.
Graduates will be qualified for a range of skilled positions with our corporate partners. Roles could include manufacturing technician, industrial maintenance mechanic, welder, or data center technician. These are stable, well-paying careers with significant opportunities for growth.
We will offer a tiered partnership structure with various levels of engagement. Partners can influence the curriculum, gain priority access to our talent pipeline, sponsor equipment, and more.
Our curriculum will be built and continuously refined by our Corporate Advisory Council. This ensures that what we teach in The Forge will be exactly what's needed on the job floor, eliminating the gap between education and employment.
We will act as a powerful extension of your educational offerings. By partnering with us, you can provide your students with a clear, high-quality pathway to a technical career, enhancing your curriculum and providing a compelling option for students who are not on a traditional four-year college track.
Acuitur is a proven public-private partnership model that directly addresses critical workforce shortages, stimulates local economic growth, and strengthens the domestic supply chain. We are building a scalable solution to a national challenge, starting right here in Richmond.
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, we will be funded through a combination of corporate partnerships, community support, and grants. This diverse funding model allows us to keep our programs tuition-free for students.
There are many ways to help! You can volunteer your time and skills, or simply help spread the word about our mission to your friends and network. Every bit of support helps us empower the next generation.
Absolutely. A core part of our program involves using our skills to benefit the community. We plan to have student-led service projects, addressing community needs and teaching our trainees the importance of civic engagement.
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