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News Release: West Virginia’s education leaders call for doubling the number of certificates or degrees for state residents
Officials say 60 percent of West Virginians need postsecondary credentials by 2030 MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia’s higher education leaders today set a goal to have 60 percent of the state’s workforce with a formal education credential beyond high school by the year 2030. That means nearly doubling the percentage of working-age West Virginians with a high-quality postsecondary credential in a little more than a decade. “West Virginia’s Climb,” the campaign to reach this goal, was launched at the annual Student Success Summit, which attracts nearly 500 educators from across the state and is jointly sponsored by the West Virginia…
Continue ReadingNews Release: West Virginia educators to collaborate to improve educational outcomes during annual Student Success Summit
West Virginia educators to collaborate to improve educational outcomes during annual Student Success Summit MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – More than 440 educators from all across the education continuum are expected to convene for two days of collaboration with the goal of improving educational outcomes in West Virginia. The eighth annual Student Success Summit, which is hosted by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) and the West Virginia Department of Education, will kick off Wednesday and conclude Thursday. This year’s theme, “Navigating Success: Students today, leaders tomorrow,” will invite discussions regarding how West Virginia’s educators can facilitate the growth and development of students here in the Mountain State from pre-K to…
Continue ReadingRising high school juniors to “GEAR UP” for college during annual college prep academy
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – This Wednesday, more than 220 rising high school juniors are expected to arrive in Huntington, WV, to participate in a summer academy that gives students a taste of college life. The West Virginia “Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs” (GEAR UP) program will host its annual GEAR UP U event on the campus of Marshall University from Wednesday, June 27 to Saturday, June 30. GEAR UP U, which is coordinated by staff of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission), will give students the opportunity to sharpen their leadership skills, to participate in team-building activities and to engage…
Continue ReadingHigher Education Policy Commission grants $360,000 in awards to support health care in rural and underserved areas of West Virginia
Charleston, W.Va. – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) today awarded a combined $360,000 to 17 health sciences students from across West Virginia to help pay for their education. The awards are part of the state’s Health Sciences Service Program, which was begun in 1995 by the West Virginia Legislature. Since its inception, the program has provided $2.8 million in funding to help 213 awardees cover education expenses in exchange for a commitment to practice in a rural or underserved community in West Virginia following their graduation. “The financial support provided through the Health Sciences Service Program is…
Continue ReadingStudent leaders from campuses statewide to address higher education issues during annual Student Leadership Conference
Student leaders from campuses statewide to address higher education issues during annual Student Leadership Conference WESTON, W.Va. – Student leaders from the campuses of West Virginia’s public two- and four-year colleges and universities will convene next week at Jackson’s Mill to discuss issues facing higher education in West Virginia – and at their respective college campuses. More than 60 student government leaders from West Virginia’s colleges and universities will participate in the annual West Virginia Student Leadership Conference, which will begin Monday and conclude Wednesday. During the conference, student leaders will participate in professional development sessions that will cover leadership development,…
Continue ReadingHigher Education Policy Commission adds four members to chancellor search committee
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission today named four additional members to the search committee for the state’s next higher education chancellor. Policy Commission Chairman Michael J. Farrell said the four new members broaden the now 17-member committee to include geographic representatives from the eastern, central and northern regions of West Virginia, including a university president appointee who will represent the colleges and universities themselves. The new members are: Dr. Bruce Berry Retired physician and former chairman of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission Morgantown Ms. Sandra Chapman Founding member of Casey & Chapman, PLLC,…
Continue ReadingHigher Education Policy Commission names search committee to find West Virginia’s next chancellor
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission today named the members of a search committee to find a successor to current Chancellor Paul L. Hill, who last month announced he will retire. Hill has served in the role of chancellor since June 2012. Commission Chairman Michael J. Farrell will lead the search committee, which comprises 12 additional members representing students, faculty, staff and community constituents, as well as members of the Commission and experienced public and private higher education administrators. The Commission has contracted with a search firm to help conduct the national search through recruitment and…
Continue ReadingStatewide “College Decision Day” events to celebrate graduating high school seniors
Statewide “College Decision Day” events to celebrate graduating high school seniors CHARLESTON, W.Va. – High schools all across the state will be recognizing seniors who have chosen to pursue some form of education or training beyond high school. More than 50 schools have registered to participate in the College Foundation of West Virginia’s (CFWV’s) fourth annual statewide “College Decision Day” campaign. College Decision Day events serve as opportunities for seniors to commit to pursuing a postsecondary pathway and for educators and underclassmen to celebrate seniors’ ambitions to continue their education beyond high school. College Decision Day events will happen statewide from April…
Continue ReadingWest Virginia public colleges and universities share ideas to increase enrollment
West Virginia public colleges and universities share ideas to increase enrollment CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Admissions and enrollment staff from across West Virginia joined together on Tuesday to learn how to encourage more West Virginians to sign up for classes this fall. The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) and the West Virginia Community and Technical College System (CTCS) hosted the one-day Enrollment Consulting Workshop for professionals engaged in campus enrollment management efforts at West Virginia’s two- and four-year institutions. Attendees learned about trends in national college enrollment, including best practices for marketing and recruitment and how to customize those methods for the best…
Continue ReadingW.Va. public colleges, universities retaining and graduating more students over last five years, report says
South Charleston, W.Va. – West Virginia’s public colleges and universities are keeping more students in school after their freshman year and seeing them through to graduation, according to a five-year trend report presented today to members of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (the Commission). The annual Higher Education Report Card tracks data including enrollment, progression and graduation rates from West Virginia’s 21 public colleges and universities. For the 2017 report, Commission staff reported that retention rates at baccalaureate institutions were up 2.7 percentage points overall for a five-year period, while four-year graduation rates increased 8.3 percentage points, also…
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State colleges and universities to receive more than $8.3 million for campus improvements, thanks to governor’s bond refinancing
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia’s public colleges and universities soon will benefit from the infusion of more than $8 million for critical campus building improvements, thanks to a revenue bond refinancing made possible by the office of Gov. Jim Justice. Dr. Paul L. Hill, Chancellor of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, said that approximately $8.3 million will be distributed to eight of the state’s public colleges and universities to help pay for their most-pressing deferred maintenance and safety needs, such as elevators, roofs and climate control systems. Justice said the projects represent the wise and prudent use of…
Continue ReadingNational higher education experts join state leaders to launch college completion campaign
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia higher education leaders committed today to the state’s Momentum Pathways Project, a program that uses proven strategies to improve student success during the first year of college and sustain that momentum through to graduation. The group representing the state’s public higher education institutions met today along with national experts to discuss strategies that increase student retention and graduation. The event was hosted by the West Virginia Higher Education Commission (HEPC), the Community and Technical College System of West Virginia (CTC), and Complete College America (CCA). The Momentum Pathways Project will focus on 15 to Finish,…
Continue ReadingWest Virginia high schools exceed halfway mark to statewide FAFSA completion goal
West Virginia High Schools exceed halfway mark to statewide FAFSA completion goal As of January 12, more than 32 percent of West Virginia high school seniors have filed a FAFSA CHARLESTON, W. Va. – The College Foundation of West Virginia (CFWV) announced today that 32.5 percent of West Virginia high school students have filed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2018-19 academic year, exceeding the halfway mark to the statewide goal for this year. In October 2017, CFWV announced the statewide FAFSA completion goal to have at least 63 percent of high school seniors file a…
Continue ReadingWV MetroNews: Study shows text messaging counseling program working
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A new study shows the text messaging service offered to high school seniors through the College Foundation of West Virginia has improved retention at some of the state’s colleges and universities. The CFWV and West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission released the results of the study from a pair of University of Virginia researchers Wednesday. The Txt 4 Success program, which began four years ago, has made it nearly 7 percent more likely that a student sticks with college through the first year by reminding them of certain deadlines for things like registration and financial aid. Read the full…
Continue ReadingWest Virginia students earning higher GPAs, completing first year of college thanks to text messaging service
West Virginia students are earning higher grade point averages, successfully completing first year of college thanks to text messaging service Rural students benefit from college counseling via “Txt 4 Success” initiative CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Like many college juniors, Chelsea Goins is well-versed in juggling responsibilities. Not only is she a student at Concord University, but she also has three on-campus jobs, participates in cheerleading and teaches dance classes in her community. Her busy schedule makes it easy to forget about college deadlines. Luckily, she receives reminders directly on her cellphone. The College Foundation of West Virginia’s (CFWV’s) “Txt 4 Success” initiative works…
Continue ReadingWest Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission releases enrollment report, announces newly appointed members
West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission releases enrollment report, announces newly appointed members CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Today, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) held its regularly scheduled Commission meeting. During the meeting, HEPC released the Fall 2017 Enrollment Report, which covers national enrollment trends as well as projections and statistics for West Virginia’s four-year public colleges. The report indicates that public four-year institutions nationwide are continuing to experience slow enrollment growth, increasing by 0.2 percent in the Fall 2016 and Spring 2017 semesters. The headcount in West Virginia’s public four-year colleges has decreased by 0.2 percent since Fall…
Continue ReadingWest Virginia schools to celebrate statewide College Application and Exploration Week
West Virginia schools to celebrate statewide College Application and Exploration Week More than 350 schools registered to help students explore postsecondary options, careers CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Schools across the state will participate in the College Foundation of West Virginia’s (CFWV’s) College Application and Exploration Week initiative scheduled for November 6 – 10. During the week, staff from participating schools – from pre-schools to adult learning centers – will provide students with age-appropriate information pertaining to colleges and careers. Students will learn about the importance of pursuing some form of college after high school, whether it is certificate and technical programs,…
Continue ReadingCollege Foundation of West Virginia sets new goal for completion of federal student aid application
College Foundation of West Virginia sets new goal for completion of federal student aid application CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Today, the College Foundation of West Virginia (CFWV) announced the statewide goal to have at least 63 percent of high school seniors file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by April 15, 2018. Filing the FAFSA is the first step in applying for financial aid for college. Students who file the FAFSA are considered for the Federal Pell Grant, which awards up to $5,920 annually to students to cover the cost of tuition and other education expenses. Additionally, students must…
Continue ReadingHigher Education Policy Commission and Kanawha County Schools awarded $50,000 for FAFSA completion efforts
Higher Education Policy Commission and Kanawha County Schools awarded $50,000 for FAFSA completion efforts CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) announced today that the agency has been awarded $50,000 from the National College Access Network (NCAN), a nonprofit organization focusing on ensuring equal access to higher education. Last year, HEPC secured a $55,000 grant from NCAN to fund a “Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Completion Challenge” campaign in Kanawha County Schools. The FAFSA Completion Challenge campaign, which was funded by the Kresge Foundation, was a national effort to increase FAFSA completion rates by at least five percent…
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West Virginia Center for Nursing awards $422,000 in scholarships to help nursing students earn a degree
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Center for Nursing announced today that 224 students will receive funds totaling $422,000 as part of the Nursing Scholarship Program. The program, which is administered by the West Virginia Center for Nursing in conjunction with the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC), helps licensed practical, registered, master’s and doctoral nursing students pursue their degrees. “The Center for Nursing plays a crucial role in helping address our state’s need for healthcare providers,” Dr. Paul Hill, Chancellor of the HEPC, said. “This scholarship is an example of our efforts to directly align our higher education…
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State higher ed official nationally recognized for service to student veterans
Higher Education Policy Commission staff member’s work ‘protects veterans’ education benefits’ CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission’s director of veterans’ programs has received the National Association of State Approving Agencies’ (NASAA’s) highest recognition for his efforts to promote veterans’ education opportunities. L.G. Corder, Esq., Director of Veterans Education and Training Programs at the Policy Commission (HEPC), was recently presented the “President’s Award,” the top honor from NASAA, an organization dedicated to providing and safeguarding quality education and training programs for veterans. NASAA members work with government agencies, Congress, schools and employers to assure that veterans have…
Continue ReadingHerald-Dispatch: Editorial: Rise in student aid applications a good sign for WV
It is really one of the first steps toward going to college or community college. But in recent years, only about half of West Virginia high school seniors have made it that far. So, it is encouraging to see that by the end of June this year, almost two-thirds of the state’s seniors had completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, called FAFSA for short. That’s up from about 57 percent from two years ago. This application starts the process that opens up the opportunity for students to win a Promise Scholarship, but also to qualify for many forms…
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Higher Education Policy Commission urges students to take ’15 to Finish’
Campaign aims to increase college-completion rates, save students money CHARLESTON, W.Va. – As colleges across the state kick off the fall semester, officials at the Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) are reminding students of the importance of earning at least 15 credit hours per semester to stay on track for graduation. Through their “15 to Finish” campaign, HEPC policy experts hope to help more students complete degree programs and reduce the overall cost of higher education. Federal financial aid policies define “full-time” enrollment as 12 credits per semester, and, as a result, many students taking only 12 hours think they…
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Higher Education Policy Commission recognizes Kanawha County high schools for college-going efforts
‘FAFSA Completion Challenge’ leads to more students applying for college financial aid CHARLESTON, W.Va. – State higher education officials are applauding the efforts of Kanawha County high schools for their part in a year-long “FAFSA Completion Challenge” campaign, a countywide effort to increase the number of 12th graders applying for college financial aid. During a training event for Kanawha County principals on Friday, representatives from the Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) joined Kanawha County Schools (KCS) Superintendent Dr. Ron Duerring to celebrate the results of the campaign, which led to a nine-point increase in the number of Kanawha County seniors…
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Erma Byrd Center celebrates tenth anniversary
Collaboration among colleges and universities expands access to higher education for students in Southern West Virginia BEAVER, W.Va. – State officials, students, faculty and community members gathered at the Erma Byrd Higher Education Center on Friday to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the facility’s opening. The Erma Byrd Center, which was West Virginia’s first collaborative higher education campus, offers classes and student services from Bluefield State College, Concord University and Marshall University. During Friday’s celebration, a variety of state and college officials offered congratulations and celebratory remarks, including Dr. Dave Swanson, chair of the Higher Education Foundation; Dr. Paul L.…
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