Inside the Earn While You Learn (EWYL) Program

Leading the Way: Earn While You Learn

For Beth Mehring, the journey into healthcare began long before she donned a nurse’s uniform. It was woven into the fabric of her upbringing, where service and healthcare were not just professions, but family values. Her parents, dedicated EMS volunteers, instilled a strong sense of community and a drive to help others, and that spirit has guided her through a rich and varied 38-year career at UVA Health. Now, as a Nurse Manager for the Earn While You Learn (EWYL) program, Beth channels her wealth of experience into guiding a new generation of healthcare professionals.

A Lifelong Passion for Healthcare

Beth's career at UVA Health began shortly after she graduated from PVCC in 1986. She started in the Burn Center and worked across various departments, including Emergency, Medical ICU, and Critical Care, before transitioning into management with the Life Support Learn Center and Blue Ridge Poison Center, eventually becoming an integral part of the EWYL program. She was born at UVA and grew up in a home where medical care and volunteerism were central. Her mother was one of the first female medics to ride in an ambulance for the Nelson County Volunteer Rescue Squad, pioneering life support practices long before Beth herself would play a role in advancing healthcare education.

Bridging the Gap

Launched in June 2022, the Earn While You Learn program was designed to address the critical staffing shortages in healthcare that had been brought to light by the COVID-19 pandemic. The concept was born out of necessity, but it was Beth’s personal experiences as a healthcare professional—and a student—that helped shape it.

Beth recalls understanding how challenging it was to balance work and education in her early career. She and her sister, who was 10 years her senior, graduated from nursing school together. Her own challenges with balancing work and studies created a blueprint for the EWYL program, which aims to reduce the stress for participants who are working full-time while pursuing further education.

A Shared Experience Across Generations

Beth emphasizes that the EWYL program is unique in its ability to foster cross-generational learning. Participants range in age and background, creating a richer and more diverse learning environment. Whether fresh out of high school or pivoting mid-career, everyone brings something to the table. "It’s inspiring to see faces light up with hope when they realize they can do this," Beth says. The program not only provides an income, but also offers structured coursework and on-the-job training—removing barriers to education and career advancement.

Expanding and Growing: The Future of EWYL

The program has grown quickly, and Beth’s role has evolved alongside it. With the addition of two key team members, Nicole Henley and Kimberly McKiernan, Beth has shifted her focus to future growth. While Nicole and Kimberly handle the day-to-day operations and support for both entry-level and advanced programs, Beth is looking ahead, liasing with external educational organizations, securing grants, and further expand programs.

Since its inception, 483 people have enrolled in EWYL, with a 77% completion rate, a number that reflects the program’s success in supporting participants through their educational journey. The program’s advanced offerings have also begun to take shape, with new cohorts in specialized fields like MRI technology, nursing, medical lab assistance, and surgical technology. By fall 2025, the program will expand further to include a paramedic training program, continuing to meet the needs of UVA Health and the broader community.

For Beth, what makes the EWYL program special is the hope it instills in participants. "In these tough economic times, the ability to help people advance their careers is a big deal," she says. Beth has been particularly moved by the stories of success, including that of Willow Rudolph, a program participant whose journey was recently featured in a Connect article. Moments like these reaffirm Beth’s belief in the program’s mission and the power it holds to change lives.

Looking Ahead

As the Earn While You Learn program continues to evolve, its impact on UVA Health is undeniable. Beth and her team are constantly seeking new ways to support employees and community members looking to advance their careers. By creating a supportive, nurturing environment where people can earn a living while gaining valuable skills, EWYL embodies the essence of healthcare: providing opportunities to help others.

Learn more by visiting the Earn While You Learn webpage.