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West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission reports $7.75 Million in student textbook savings through Open Educational Resources initiative
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Since the launch of Open Learning WV in 2021, West Virginia’s college students have saved an estimated $7.75 million on course materials, thanks to the implementation of Open Educational Resources (OER). This state-led initiative provides low- or no-cost educational materials to students in colleges and universities across West Virginia, making higher education more affordable and accessible. To date, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission has awarded 66 grants to faculty members across the state to adopt and implement OER in their courses. The result is an impressive return on investment, with every $1 in grant funding…
Continue ReadingWest Virginia higher education community convenes to launch Credential WV as a new statewide initiative to prepare workforce-ready students
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission recently convened dozens of faculty and other leaders from colleges and universities across the state to chart the course for implementing microcredentials, which are short, targeted learning experiences focused on specific skills designed to be more flexible and accessible than traditional degrees. This new initiative, known as Credential WV, aims to equip students with workforce-relevant skills through targeted, stackable credentials, designed to address the evolving demands of West Virginia’s labor market. At the Oct. 9-11 summit, higher education leaders developed key strategies for embedding microcredential programs into existing academic courses,…
Continue ReadingForty high schools across West Virginia recognized for outstanding efforts to help students plan for college
ROANOKE, W.Va. – Principals, counselors, and staff from 40 high schools across West Virginia were recognized on Friday, October 11th, for their efforts to inform students of higher education opportunities after graduation. The “Champion of College Access and Success” recognition awards are annually presented by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and the Council for Community and Technical Education to select schools that foster a college and career readiness culture within their communities. Representatives from the Champion schools attended an award ceremony at Stonewall Resort in conjunction with a statewide summit focused on affordable college and career pathways. The…
Continue ReadingWest Virginia GEAR UP Student Leadership Academy inspires 1,500 students from across the state
CHARLESTON, WV – The West Virginia GEAR UP program, which helps thousands of West Virginia students plan for their futures, today hosted its annual Student Leadership Academy at the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences in Charleston. This year’s event brought together nearly 1,500 enthusiastic West Virginia GEAR UP students from across the state to learn valuable leadership skills and stay motivated to pursue their dreams through higher education. As part of the event this year, students were treated to an inspiring keynote address by motivational speaker, Aric Bostic, who has presented educational leadership programs to students across the…
Continue ReadingAward-winning podcast highlighting West Virginians in healthcare launches third season tomorrow
CHARLESTON, WV – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission announced today that the third season of Appalachian Care Chronicles– a podcast featuring first-person accounts from healthcare professionals across West Virginia – launches with four new episodes on September 25, 2024. The new episodes, all available tomorrow, feature: “Our goal is to share these stories with anyone who has ever considered a career in healthcare, including young people who are thinking about who they might like to be in the future and those considering a new path,” said Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker, West Virginia’s Chancellor of Higher Education. “By spotlighting…
Continue ReadingWest Virginia awards grants to colleges and universities to support first-generation student success
CHARLESTON, WV – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and Community and Technical College System have awarded First-Generation Student Success Grants to public colleges and universities across the state. These grants, which provide funding up to $5,000, support initiatives aimed at recruiting, retaining, and fostering the success of first-generation college students. First-generation students – the first in their families to pursue higher education – face unique challenges in completing their degrees. But according to FirstGen Forward, those who complete their college education are more likely to secure employment, earn higher wages, and become more civically engaged than their peers…
Continue ReadingWest Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission announces Campus Mental Health Grants on World Suicide Prevention Day
CHARLESTON, WV – In observance of World Suicide Prevention Day, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission announces the recipients of its 2024-25 Campus Mental Health Grants, which aim to address the mental health needs of students at West Virginia’s public colleges and universities. “Supporting the mental health and well-being of our students is critical to ensuring their academic success and overall development,” said Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker, West Virginia’s Chancellor of Higher Education. “These grants are an important step in addressing the unique mental health challenges that many of our students face. We are proud to support these innovative…
Continue ReadingWest Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission awards grants to advance behavioral health education and workforce development
Charleston, WV – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) is proud to announce a series of grant awards aimed at strengthening the behavioral health workforce across the state. These grants fund a variety of innovative educational initiatives designed to address the critical need for well-trained professionals in behavioral health services, particularly in underserved and rural areas of West Virginia. Funding for these projects totaling $700,000 was made possible by a Congressionally Directed Spending award requested by U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Shelley Moore Capito through the U.S. Department of Labor. “I am incredibly grateful to Senators Manchin and…
Continue ReadingState selects 24 students for West Virginia’s prestigious teaching scholarship
Incoming college freshmen will receive $40,000 Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars award CHARLESTON, WV – Twenty-four high school seniors who graduated this year have been selected as West Virginia’s fifth cohort of Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars. These students will receive the state’s newest and most prestigious scholarship of up to $10,000 per year – or $40,000 total – for their college education as they prepare to pursue rewarding careers as West Virginia teachers. “I’m incredibly proud of these young scholars, and I can’t wait to see what they accomplish over the next four years and beyond,” said Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker, West Virginia’s…
Continue ReadingGEAR UP U! takes place at Glenville State University
Glenville, W. Va. – More than 150 rising 9th and 10th graders across the state gathered at Glenville State University’s campus from June 26 – 29 for the 2024 GEAR UP U! Summer Academy (GUU!). GUU! is a free college and career preparatory academy hosted by West Virginia GEAR UP and is free for all participants. GUU! is sponsored by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission’s federally funded “Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs” (GEAR UP) initiative. During GUU!, students were exposed to life on a college campus. They participated in classes based on career interests, attended…
Continue ReadingWest Virginia doubles Higher Education Grant award to $6,800 for college students for upcoming academic year
CHARLESTON, WV — The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission today voted to strengthen the state’s needs-based Higher Education Grant Program (HEGP), allowing the maximum award amount to double – from $3,400 to $6,800 – for the 2024-25 academic year for eligible students. This one-time increase was made possible by funding proposed by Gov. Jim Justice and approved by the West Virginia Legislature during a recent special session to support students amid ongoing challenges with the federal government’s rollout of a new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is the key to unlocking funds for college. As a…
Continue ReadingStudent leaders from colleges and universities statewide gather for the Student Leadership Conference
DAVIS, WV – Student government representatives and advisors from two- and four-year public colleges and universities across West Virginia gathered at Canaan Valley Resort and Conference Center for the 18th annual West Virginia Student Leadership Conference (WVSLC). The WVSLC serves as a training event for student government representatives, many of whom are newly elected to their roles. During the conference, students learned leadership skills, networked with other student body leaders and higher education administrators, and shared ideas for engaging their campus communities. The event provides workshops on a variety of leadership topics. Student leaders collaborated to find solutions to issues…
Continue ReadingGov. Justice declares State of Emergency, suspends FAFSA requirement for WV students applying for state financial aid programs for college this year
CHARLESTON, WV — Amid ongoing problems with the U.S. Department of Education’s rollout of a new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for students applying for financial aid for college this fall, Gov. Jim Justice announced today he has temporarily suspended the requirement for students to complete the FAFSA in order to qualify for the state’s largest financial aid programs. The FAFSA is the key to unlocking financial aid for college, as it determines a student’s financial need. The federal government unveiled a new FAFSA at the beginning of this year, but the move to the new form has…
Continue ReadingMental Health Loan Repayment Program accepting applications from licensed mental health professionals practicing in West Virginia
CHARLESTON, WV – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission is accepting applications for the Mental Health Loan Repayment Program, which provides loan repayment for licensed mental health professionals practicing in underserved communities in West Virginia. “Mental health providers across our state provide a truly invaluable service to West Virginians living in underserved areas. Statewide, we need as many committed counselors, social workers, and therapists as possible continuing to work in our communities” said Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker, West Virginia’s Chancellor of Higher Education. “Through this loan repayment program, we can ease a financial burden for them – and let them know…
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West Virginia higher education community convenes to focus on first-generation student success
Charleston, W.Va. –The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and Council for Community and Technical College recently hosted the West Virginia First-Generation Student Success Conference at the Embassy Suites in Charleston, drawing representatives from colleges across the state. This event focused on advancing the academic success of first-generation college students. Participants focused on addressing first-generation students’ unique needs, which is paramount to ensuring their success in college and in their careers. Quistis Stanley, a student attending Marshall University, reflected on her experience as a first-generation student on campus, saying, “Being first-gen has helped me find a community within my school…
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West Virginia’s $40,000 teaching scholarship deadline April 8
Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars is state’s most-prestigious college award program CHARLESTON, WV – Current high school seniors who are interested in becoming teachers in West Virginia have until April 8 to apply for the state’s newest and most prestigious scholarship, the Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program. This scholarship provides up to $10,000 per year – or $40,000 total – for 25 new scholars each year from a national applicant pool. The Underwood-Smith award also can be combined with other federal and state financial aid for which a student qualifies, including the Pell Grant and Promise Scholarship. West Virginia residents who receive the Promise Scholarship as…
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Listen to Season 2 of Appalachian Care Chronicles now!
In Season 2 Appalachian Care Chronicles, you’ll meet: Brought to you by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and hosted by Aryana Misaghi, a 2023 graduate of Marshall University’s Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, the podcast follows a variety of problem-solvers, change makers, and daily helpers—behind the scenes and on the front lines—to shine a light on what they do day-to-day and how they got there. It explores critical moments, both extraordinary and overlooked, within career trajectories that might (sometimes) appear traditional but are often full of twists and surprises. Fueled by a sense of discovery and purpose,…
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Funding for undergraduate research experiences awarded to colleges and universities statewide
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Eight West Virginia institutions received a total of $339,880 in state funding to support undergraduate research on their campuses for the next three years. The Science, Technology & Research (STaR) division of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) awarded Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) grants to support approximately 120 students seeking substantial, hands-on learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) research at public and private four-year colleges and universities. Participating schools include Marshall University, Shepherd University, West Liberty University, West Virginia University, West Virginia State University and West Virginia Wesleyan College as well as first time awardees Fairmont…
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West Virginia Higher Education Chancellor Sarah Tucker named chair of national higher education policy organization
Charleston, West Virginia – Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker, West Virginia’s Chancellor of Higher Education, has been named State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO) Executive Committee Chair. SHEEO, the national association of the chief executives of statewide governing boards and coordinating boards for postsecondary education, works to assist its members and states in developing and sustaining excellent systems of higher education. “It’s with great pleasure we announce Dr. Sarah Tucker as the Executive Committee Chair,” said Dr. Robert Anderson, president of SHEEO. “Dr. Tucker has been a great thought-partner and colleague to SHEEO throughout her tenure in West Virginia. Her depth and…
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Forty-five high schools across West Virginia recognized for their outstanding efforts to help students plan for college
Principals and counselors receive ‘Champion of College Access and Success’ Awards CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Principals, counselors, and staff from 45 high schools across West Virginia were recognized for their schools’ efforts to inform students of higher education opportunities after graduation. The “Champion of College Access and Success” recognition awards are annually presented by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and the Council for Community and Technical Education to select schools that go above and beyond to help students and their families plan for college. Representatives from the Champion schools attended an award ceremony at the Embassy Suites in Charleston,…
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West Virginia’s college scholarship and grant applications now open, FAFSA delayed this year
CHARLESTON, WV – All of West Virginia’s state financial aid programs are now accepting applications for the 2024-25 academic year, the state higher education office announced today. West Virginia offers more than $100 million annually in financial aid for college. This includes the merit-based Promise Scholarship, needs-based Higher Education Grant, and West Virginia Invests – the state’s tuition-free community college program. “As this year’s high school seniors look to the future, now is the time to start exploring the many financial support programs West Virginia offers them,” said Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker, West Virginia’s Chancellor of Higher Education. “Through our wide selection of…
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Price named Vice Chancellor for Finance and Facilities for the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and Community and Technical College System
CHARLESTON, WV – Misty Price has been named Vice Chancellor of Finance and Facilities for the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and the Community and Technical College System. Price, a Certified Public Accountant, brings over 25 years of experience in public and governmental accounting to the agencies, most recently serving as the Deputy Treasurer of Cash Management for the West Virginia State Treasurer’s Office. She also previously served as the Coordinator of School Finance for the West Virginia Department of Education. “I’m excited for the opportunity to be involved with an agency that serves such an important objective,” says…
Continue ReadingHigher Education Policy Commission revokes Alderson Broaddus University’s authorization to award degrees in West Virginia, outlines next steps to support students
CHARLESTON, WV – During an emergency meeting today, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) voted unanimously to revoke Alderson Broaddus University’s authorization to confer degrees in the state effective December 31, 2023. The institution is not permitted to enroll new students beginning with the Fall 2023 semester. However, seniors scheduled to graduate at the end of the fall term may return to complete their degrees on schedule. The Commission took this action after receiving and confirming information that Alderson Broaddus University’s financial condition renders the institution unable to create a stable, effective, and safe learning environment for its…
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State selects 27 students for West Virginia’s prestigious teaching scholarship
Incoming college freshmen will receive $40,000 Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars award CHARLESTON, WV – Twenty-seven high school seniors who graduated this year have been selected as West Virginia’s fourth cohort of Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars. These students will receive the state’s newest and most prestigious scholarship of up to $10,000 per year – or $40,000 total – for their college education as they prepare to pursue rewarding careers as West Virginia teachers. “I’m incredibly proud of these young scholars, and I can’t wait to see what they accomplish over the next four years and beyond,” said Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker, West Virginia’s Chancellor of…
Continue ReadingWest Virginia Student Success Summit focuses on career-readiness
Charleston, W.Va. – More than 550 educators, counselors and administrators from the pre-school, elementary, secondary and postsecondary education systems; workforce professionals; business and community leaders; military personnel; and students gathered at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center in Charleston for the West Virginia Student Success Summit on July 12 and 13, 2023. The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, the West Virginia Community and Technical College System, and the West Virginia Department of Education partner together to host the Summit every summer. The theme of this year’s Summit was Creating a Career-Ready West Virginia. The West Virginia Student Success Summit…
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