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MetroNews: More than 1,000 W.Va. eighth graders ‘GEAR UP’ for college
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Nearly 1,300 eighth grade students from 32 West Virginia schools were in Charleston Wednesday morning to participate in the state’s GEAR UP program at the Clay Center. The program teaches students, from pre-school to high school, how to take control of their futures by informing them about the steps needed to pursue higher education. “What that really is is to help other students be peer mentors, to spread the word about going to college, getting a career in mind early in their life and being prepared for college when they do go,” explained Dr. Paul Hill, chancellor…
Continue Reading1,300 students to attend ‘GEAR UP’ student leadership academy in Charleston
For Planning Purposes: October 20, 2015 Contact: Jessica Kennedy, Director of Communications and Outreach Division of Student Affairs (304) 558-0655 – office • (304) 532-0911 – cell jessica.kennedy@wvhepc.edu 1,300 students to attend ‘GEAR UP’ student leadership academy in Charleston When: Wednesday, October 21 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. What: A leadership academy to inform students of college options and empower them to take charge of their futures. West Virginia GEAR UP will host a leadership academy featuring a presentation from Aric Bostic, a nationally renowned youth leadership coach. Additionally, college mascots from across West Virginia will present dance routines incorporating college information…
Continue ReadingCollege Foundation of West Virginia hosting statewide ‘College Application and Exploration Week’
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The College Foundation of West Virginia (CFWV) is coordinating college preparation help at more than 400 sites across the state, with Governor Earl Ray Tomblin officially designating this week as “College Application and Exploration Week.” Participating schools will host a variety of college-planning activities including college application workshops, classroom lessons focused on college awareness and planning, and panel discussions with current college students and employers. Students of all ages — from pre-schoolers to adult learners — will learn about the importance of pursuing higher education and the different types of college options available including certificate programs, career and technical programs, two-year degree programs, four-year degree programs…
Continue ReadingGovernor Tomblin declares ‘West Virginia GEAR UP Week’ in recognition of college readiness program
‘West Virginia GEAR UP’ helps thousands of students prepare for higher education programs and training CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Governor Earl Ray Tomblin has designated this week as “West Virginia GEAR UP Week” to recognize the impact and achievements of the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) effort. GEAR UP is a national grant program funded by the United States Department of Education. Its mission is to help students pursue and achieve some form of education and training beyond high school. This week has been declared “National GEAR UP Week” by program partners across the country. “GEAR UP…
Continue ReadingHechinger Report: Can u fix education w/ txts?
Facing some of America’s biggest education challenges, Benjamin Castleman thinks small. In his new book, The 160-Character Solution: How Text Messaging and Other Behavioral Strategies can Improve Education, the University of Virginia education professor argues that the humble text message can boost student achievement, improve study habits and help students stay on track in the transition from high school to college. Start with the obvious. Texting is cheap, and it’s everywhere. None of the newer social-media apps have anywhere near its reach. You don’t need a powerful computer or broadband Internet to text. You just need a phone and fast…
Continue ReadingStatewide ‘College Day Tour’ kicks off September 1
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Representatives from West Virginia’s colleges and universities will hit the road today as part of West Virginia’s annual “College Day Tour.” During the tour, college admissions and planning counselors, along with military service representatives, will set up displays and host informational workshops in every region of the state. The West Virginia Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (WVACRAO) organizes the event and works to ensure that West Virginia’s high school students have an opportunity to get college planning information close to home. Additionally, representatives from the College Foundation of West Virginia (CFWV) attend every event to…
Continue Reading“5 Star Challenge” emphasizes colleges’ and universities’ commitments to student veterans
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Education officials are stepping up their efforts to support the needs of West Virginia’s student veterans. The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) and West Virginia Community and Technical College System (WVCTCS) today announced the “5 Star Challenge,” a call to action for the state’s public colleges and universities to adopt a set of exemplary standards that support student veterans and their families. The challenge is a tribute to the military tradition of issuing “challenge coins” to service members who exemplify the values and standards of their military units. Colleges and universities that accept the challenge…
Continue ReadingWTRF: Local students pass along importance of higher education
WTRF 7 News Sports Weather – Wheeling Steubenville MOUNDSVILLE, W.Va. – A group of local students are ready to tackle the new school year and pass along the importance of higher education. Higher Education Readiness Officers (HEROs) is a relatively new program happening at some high schools in West Virginia. The goal is to educate high school students about the importance of higher education, whether it’s a four year degree or a technical school. Starting early is essential, according to incoming Sophmore Alec Kuskey. “I learned that it really is a good idea to start considering college even if…
Continue ReadingNew study shows federal GEAR UP program steering more West Virginians to college
Charleston, W.Va. – According to information presented today to the state’s Higher Education Policy Commission, the federal GEAR UP program is achieving its mission in West Virginia. The 2014 High School Senior Opinions Survey revealed that GEAR UP, which helps students in high-need West Virginia counties prepare for higher education, is successfully providing young West Virginians with the tools they need to attend – and succeed – in college. According to the survey conducted in spring 2014 among students at 45 schools, more than seven out of 10 seniors in GEAR UP high schools received direct assistance from college representatives,…
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West Virginia student HEROs inspiring their peers to reach higher
“My confidence has absolutely skyrocketed. I know being a HERO is going to be an important part of my life now and I really hope I can take my experience and positively impact other students’ lives. When I return to school, I have every intention to talk to other students and spread the positivity that was spread to me.” – Morgan Hicks, Oak Glen High School Charleston, W.Va. – Thirty-one students from four high schools in West Virginia – Berkeley Springs, Hedgesville, John Marshall and Oak Glen – participated in last week’s statewide Student Success Summit in Morgantown…
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Student Success Summit to focus on collaboration among educators and community
More than 500 individuals expected to attend the event in Morgantown MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – More than 500 education administrators, teachers, students, military leaders and community group members will join forces this week to find ways to help students prepare for lifelong success. Education representatives ranging from pre-school teachers to college presidents to the students they serve will convene during the fifth annual Student Success Summit (Summit) to be held Wednesday, July 29 and Thursday, July 30 at the Waterfront Hotel and Conference Center in Morgantown. Organizers say the two-day event encourages participants to work together to create a more seamless, life-long education…
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Concord University recognized nationally for ‘GEAR UP’ partnership
SAN FRANCISCO, CA. – The National Council for Community and Education Partnerships (NCCEP) announced today that Concord University has been named the 2015 national “GEAR UP Community Partner of the Year.” Concord was recognized for its support of the West Virginia GEAR UP program, a federally funded grant program to help students from low-income areas prepare for college. West Virginia GEAR UP serves more than 5,000 students annually in 10 West Virginia counties. The project is coordinated by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission), which received its second consecutive GEAR UP grant last year. Dr. Marjie Flanigan, Vice President of Student Affairs at Concord…
Continue ReadingW.Va. higher education community joins forces to address campus safety
Charleston, W.Va. – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) today hosted a statewide Campus Safety Summit focusing on some of higher education’s most challenging issues. More than 140 representatives of the state’s public four- and two- year colleges and universities, along with independent institutions, gathered to discuss awareness, prevention and response surrounding suicide, sexual violence and communicable diseases. “These individuals are on the frontlines at colleges and universities across West Virginia working to not only educate and inspire students – but also to protect those students and everyone on our campuses,” said Governor Earl Ray Tomblin. “These subject…
Continue ReadingWest Virginia ‘GEAR UP’ student named to national leadership academy
Kendyl Ryan is one of 29 selected from a nationwide pool of applicants CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Kendyl Ryan, a native of Boone County, has been selected to participate in the highly competitive “GEAR UP Alumni Leadership Academy,” (GUALA) a 12-month national leadership program providing students across the country with intensive training in civic engagement and community development. The GUALA program identifies students with exceptional leadership potential and provides additional training and tools to help them more effectively engage their peers, schools and communities in creating a college-going culture. Ms. Ryan, a sophomore at Marshall University, was one of 29 students…
Continue ReadingWOAY: OOHS Honors College Bound Seniors
OAK HILL– An area school is honoring college and service bound seniors. Oak Hill High School honored members of its senior class today during its college decision day ceremony– recognizing those who will either be continuing their education or will be entering the armed services. Oak Hill is one of 12 high schools across the state participating in the sports inspired campaign which is designed to praise those who are continuing their educations as well as encourage underclassmen to do the same. Read the full story »
Continue ReadingWBOY: Student Leadership Conference Comes to Jackson’s Mill
College students from around the state gathered at Jackson’s Mill this week for the West Virginia Student Leadership Conference. The annual event brings together leaders from public campuses to discuss their experiences in leadership and find ways to improve those skills for their campus and themselves. “After seeing a lot of the changes that could be made on our campus and seeing all the potential that could come from West Virginia State University’s campus, I thought it would be a great opportunity to come here and see what I could do as a leader and as an emerging leader to…
Continue ReadingPoint Pleasant Register: Wahama to host “College Decision Day”
MASON — A new event to celebrate graduating seniors pursuing post-secondary education will take center stage Thursday evening at Wahama High School. The school will conduct its first “College Decision Day” at 5 p.m., prior to the senior awards ceremony, according to Teresa Murphy, counselor. School staff, students and families will recognize each senior who plans to pursue some form of post-secondary education, whether it be certificate programs, workforce training and apprenticeship programs, two- or four-year degrees, or military service. Murphy said the event will encompass most of Wahama’s 69 graduating seniors, although a few have chosen directemployment. Each senior…
Continue ReadingCollege students working together to promote student leadership on campus
Annual West Virginia Student Leadership Conference to be held Monday, May 18 through Wednesday, May 2 Weston, W.Va. – College students from across West Virginia are meeting at Jackson’s Mill next week to learn new ways to strengthen their campus communities. More than 75 student representatives from West Virginia’s two-year and four-year colleges and universities will participate in the annual West Virginia Student Leadership Conference to be held Monday, May 18 through Wednesday, May 20. The conference is sponsored by the West Virginia Community and Technical College System (WVCTCS), the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) and Shepherd University.…
Continue Reading‘College Decision Day’ events to celebrate college bound seniors across West Virginia
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Twelve West Virginia high schools will participate in West Virginia’s first statewide “College Decision Day” campaign to recognize high school seniors who plan to pursue some type of education or training beyond high school. College Decision Day is organized by the College Foundation of West Virginia (CFWV), an initiative coordinated by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission to help students go to college and succeed. “College Decision Day is inspired by sports events, such as the NCAA national signing day and the NFL draft,” Dr. Adam S. Green, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at the Commission, said. “We…
Continue ReadingWest Virginia colleges working together to support students with disabilities
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Representatives from West Virginia’s public colleges and universities met in South Charleston today to discuss strategies to support students with disabilities. The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) and West Virginia Community and Technical College System (WVCTCS) hosted a one-day workshop focusing on policies, communications practices and environmental and learning resources to encourage a campus-wide culture that supports diversity and accessibility. “Ensuring access for all students is critical to fulfilling our mission of providing high-quality education and training programs to meet the needs of West Virginia’s communities,” James Skidmore, Chancellor of the WVCTCS, said. “Compliance…
Continue ReadingConcord University to host “GEAR UP Kickoff” for area seventh graders on April 2
More than 450 seventh graders will have the opportunity to learn about life on a college campus during Concord University’s “GEAR UP” Kickoff event to be held April 2 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. GEAR UP stands for “Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs.” The project, which is coordinated by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission), helps students in ten West Virginia counties prepare to enter and succeed in higher education and skillset training programs. Students from Collins Middle School and Meadow Bridge High School in Fayette County; Montcalm High School in Mercer County; Gilbert…
Continue ReadingTwo College Goal Sunday financial aid workshops rescheduled for this weekend
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Students and families in the Beckley and Lewisburg areas can get free help completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other financial aid forms this Sunday, February 22 from 1 to 4 p.m. Financial aid counselors from Concord University and New River Community and Technical College will be on hand at the Erma Byrd Center in Beckley and New River Community and Technical College’s campus in Lewisburg to answer questions and work with families one-on-one. The workshops, which were originally scheduled for last weekend but postponed due to snow, are part of the statewide…
Continue ReadingCollege Goal Sunday workshops in Beckley and Lewisburg rescheduled for February 22
BECKLEY, W.Va. – Due to poor road conditions in the area, the College Goal Sunday financial aid workshops planned for today at the Erma Byrd Center in Beckley and at New River Community and Technical College in Lewisburg have been rescheduled for Sunday, February 22 from 1 to 4 p.m. College Goal Sunday is a free event to help students and families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other financial aid application forms. Workshops are staffed by financial aid experts and are held at multiple locations across the state. All other West Virginia workshops will be open today from 1 to 4…
Continue ReadingCollege Goal Sunday event offers free assistance in applying for college financial aid
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia students can get free help completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and other financial aid forms during West Virginia’s sixth annual College Goal Sunday event. College Goal Sunday financial aid workshops will be held February 15 from 1 to 4 p.m. at 24 locations across the state. “Completing the FAFSA is critical for anyone considering going to college,” Brian Weingart, Senior Director of Financial Aid at the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, said. “Students must submit this form in order to be considered for a variety of financial aid programs including…
Continue ReadingW.Va. higher education office provides financial aid assistance to students and families
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – With key state financial aid deadlines approaching, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) is offering students and their families free assistance with application forms. Students seeking individual assistance can call the Commission’s financial aid hotline at 888-825-5707 to ask questions or set up an appointment with a financial aid counselor. “The FAFSA is the first and most important step for students,” said Dr. Paul Hill, the Commission’s Chancellor. “We encourage anyone thinking about going to college to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after the beginning of the year – and to fully explore…
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