Course options:

• Software Engineering: This course is crafted for all skill levels — whether you have zero coding knowledge, are self-taught, or are somewhere in between. Flatiron’s approach focuses on applying skills through hands-on, collaborative experiences, whether that’s pair programming, code reviews, or coding challenges. Students will further hone their communication skills and become part of the tech community as they build, share, and refine their Github portfolios.
• Data Science: Data is only as valuable as the person behind it, and Flatiron trains you to be that person. Experienced instructors show students how to extract and visualize data, leverage it to find actionable insights, and make powerful predictions with machine learning — all rare yet highly-desired skill sets.
• Cybersecurity: Employers are actively seeking and hiring cybersecurity professionals at more than twice the rate of the average job outside of the tech industry. This course focuses on the core aspects of cybersecurity, including network security, Python (no, snakes aren’t involved), pen testing, threat intelligence, cryptology, and Governance, Risk, and Compliance (one of the most important building blocks in the curriculum).
• Product Design: Students gain hands-on UX/UI (user experience and user interface) design skills using modern tools like Figma + Webflow, building a professional portfolio (intentionally crafted to catch hiring managers’ eyes upon graduation).

How it works:

• Flatiron offers both full-time programs (15 weeks) and flexible-pace programs (up to 60 weeks).
• Both program options are available online. Flatiron also has Denver, CO + New York City campuses for in-person courses.
• Flatiron offers graduates up to 180 days of one-on-one career coaching to help students succeed during their job search.
• Flexible financing is available with a 12-month, no-interest installment plan. Chat with Admissions to see what works best for you financially; some students qualify for additional support, like cost of living loans.

How to apply:

• Dominion Energy Jazz Café | Wednesday, Mar. 8 | 6-8 p.m. | VMFA, 200 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd., Richmond | Free | The Charles Owens Trio will play original tunes and groovy arrangements in the atrium.

• 5th Annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival | Thursday, Mar. 9 | 6-9:30 p.m. | Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 W. Broad St., Richmond | $15-$35 | See award-winning films about nature, community activism, adventure, conservation, environmental justice, and indigenous cultures.
• “Cross Stitch Bandits” | Thursday, March 9-Sunday, March 19 | Times vary | Dominion Energy Center Gottwald Playhouse, 600 E. Grace St., Richmond | $40 | Cadence and Virginia Rep present the world premiere of this play.

• Central Virginia Blacksmith Guild 25th Anniversary Hammer-In | Friday, Mar. 10-Sunday, Mar. 12 | Times vary | Chesterfield County Fairgrounds, 10300 Courthouse Rd., Chesterfield | $35-$50 | Explore three tents of blacksmithing and bladesmithing demonstrations all weekend long.

• “Fried Green Tomatoes” | Saturday, Mar. 11 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary St., Richmond | $8 | The 1991 film adaptation of the novel stars Kathy Bates, Mary Stuart Masterson, and Mary-Louise Parker.

• Monday Mini Market | Monday, Mar. 13 | 6-9 p.m. | Crafted RVA, 4900-151 Libbie Mill E. Blvd., Richmond | Cost of purchase | Sip and shop local décor, art, jewelry, and apparel.

• 54º | Sunny | 0% chance of rain

• There’s another restaurant coming to the former Mill on MacArthur space. Owners Rawleigh and Jaya Easley say the new concept, Neighbor, will specialize in made-from-scratch, family-friendly American fare. It could open in the next few weeks. (Richmond BizSense)

• The city’s neighborhood clean-up program starts this Saturday, March 11. DPW crews will collect items from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. on select Saturdays through November. You can throw away anything except electronics, construction debris, hazardous waste items, and broken glass. The Bellevue/Ginter Park/Washington Park area is up first. 🗑

• $1 million. That’s how much will be going towards reviving the Pump House — the Victorian Gothic building in Byrd Park. Half of the money comes from federal funding; Historic Richmond will match that amount with private donations. (Richmond Magazine)

• The first Buc-ee’s in Virginia could open in 2027 in New Kent. The new location for the Texas-based convenience store chain is set to feature 120 fueling positions and 557 parking spaces. It would be the furthest east location for Buc-ee’s. 🦫 (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

• VCU men’s basketball player Ace Baldwin Jr. has been named Atlantic 10 Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. The junior guard is only the fourth player in conference history to win both awards in the same season. Baldwin averages 12.6 points, 5.8 assists, and 2.46 steals per game. 🏀

• Hey, soul sisters. Train is heading to Richmond to play a special Virginia Credit Union LIVE! show with Better Than Ezra. The all-ages concert will be on Saturday, Aug. 12 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale this Friday, March 10 at 10 a.m.

• Explore Richmond history on a trip through the James River and Kanawha Canal. The 2023 season of Riverfront Canal Cruises starts Saturday, April 1. Individuals or groups can book narrated tours in styled canal boats. Single tickets are $8 for ages 5-12 and 65+ and $12 for adults.

• Need a new air purification system? Woodfin - Your Home Team offers a variety of fresh air systems for homes and businesses. Bonus: Take advantage of this money saving special.*

• The Richmond Performing Arts Alliance’s annual Women Take the Stage event is happening March 27 at 4 p.m. This year’s event features two-time Emmy Award-winning comedian + author Sara Schaefer alongside esteemed local panelists moderated by Kelli Lemon with Delaney Hall as emcee. Proceeds benefit RPAA’s BrightLights Education Initiatives. Snag tickets.*

Photo by @j.will.photography, graphic by RICtoday

Housing

• $1.4 million to establish a first-time homebuyer fund for city employees who want to live within city limits | Context: Money for this project comes from federal ARPA funds.
• $500,000 to expand the Alternative Housing Program | Context: The city plans on partnering with a nonprofit to make it easier for Richmonders to access new kinds of housing, such as manufactured homes.
• $800,000 for the Eviction Diversion Program

Graphic by RICtoday

Education

• $800,000 in new funding for the Richmond Public Library | Context: The money will go towards adding Sunday hours at the Main, Ginter Park, Broad Rock, and West End branches
• $474,000 in increased funding for Communities in Schools
• $1.36 million in increased funding for NextUp RVA

Graphic by RICtoday

City Services

• $8.9 million more in the city’s contribution to GRTC
• $14.1 million to address maintenance needs at city facilities | The mayor highlighted priority projects at City Hall, Main Library, fire stations, cemeteries, and the James River Park System, among others.
• $21 million for the Complete Streets program | Context: Complete Streets is a continuous capital project that includes funds for sidewalks, curbs and gutters, pedestrian crossings, and paving.