Sears said this has led to $140 billion in business investments by companies expanding or moving to Virginia, like Eli Lilly's $5-billion pharmaceutical plant in Goochland County. She added because of those jobs coming to Virginia, the Commonwealth needs to make sure its workforce is ready to meet the needs of the companies.

"So, that by the time they finish building their factories, their buildings their workforce, talent is also ready."

Sears said she and Youngkin have led the charge on the creation of lab schools and training students in new technologies like artificial intelligence. She also pointed to ideas in other states -- like co-op programs -- that alternate university students between their future career fields and the classroom.

"This is not just education, it's empowerment.

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