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Jessica Tice
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West Virginia Celebrates Successful College Application and Exploration Week

November 7, 2023

CHARLESTON, WV – More than 400 schools and organizations, from elementary schools to adult learner sites, across West Virginia participated in College Application and Exploration Week (CAEW) from October 30 – November 3rd. This is an annual initiative aimed at providing opportunities for students, educators and community members to explore postsecondary and career pathways, helping to fuel a culture of college readiness across the state. During the week, West Virginia students took field trips to college campuses and participated in workshops on college applications and financial aid, gaining valuable insights into the process of pursuing higher education. School hallways and…

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Forty-five high schools across West Virginia recognized for their outstanding efforts to help students plan for college

October 13, 2023

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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GEAR UP U! takes place at Marshall University

June 26, 2023

Huntington, W. Va. – West Virginia GEAR UP hosted the 2023 GEAR UP U! Summer Academy (GUU!) on the campus of Marshall University. The event was held June 21 – 24 with more than 150 rising 8th and 9th-grade middle school students. Students from across the state gathered at Marshall’s campus for the college and career preparatory academy. GUU! is free for all participants and 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 are exposed to life on a college campus, participate in…

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West Virginia’s first dual enrollment program to help thousands more high school students take college courses that lead to in-demand careers

West Virginia’s first dual enrollment program to help thousands more high school students take college courses that lead to in-demand careers

March 21, 2023

CHARLESTON, WV – The West Virginia Legislature has adopted and Gov. Jim Justice has signed legislation establishing West Virginia’s first statewide dual enrollment program to allow more students to take college courses in high school. Through House Bill 2005, West Virginia’s higher education system will launch a pilot program this fall that will cover the costs of dual enrollment courses offered by the state’s colleges and universities that are tied to some of West Virginia’s most in-demand careers. “Prior to this legislation, what we have had is a system that favors our highest achieving, highest performing students – those who…

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WVSU First-Generation College Celebration Day

Colleges and universities across West Virginia celebrate successes of first-generation students

November 9, 2022

CHARLESTON, WV –  College for West Virginia (CFWV), along with colleges and universities across the state and nation, celebrated first-generation college students, faculty, staff, and alumni in West Virginia. The Nov. 8 First-Generation College Celebration Day events included notable first-generation alumni, highlights of first-generation students and programs, first-generation faculty discussions in classrooms, and workshops that promoted student success and retention.  “First-generation college students and graduates are trailblazers,” said Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker, West Virginia’s Chancellor of Higher Education. “They are paving the way to a successful future for themselves and their families. Their commitment to achieving their goals inspires new generations of…

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Principals, counselors and staff from the 38 Champions of College Access and Success gathered for an awards ceremony in Charleston.

Thirty-eight high schools across West Virginia recognized for strong efforts to help students plan for education or training after graduation 

October 12, 2022

Principals and counselors receive ‘Champion of College Access and Success’ Awards  To view photos from the ceremony, click here. CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Principals, counselors, and staff from 38 high schools across West Virginia were recognized yesterday at the West Virginia Culture Center for their schools’ efforts to inform students of higher education opportunities after graduation. The “Champion of College Access and Success” recognition awards are presented annually by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) to select schools that go above and beyond to help students and their families plan for education or training after high school. This is…

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West Virginia launches newest and most prestigious state college scholarship

November 13, 2019

$40,000 Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars program created to attract math, science teachers CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) recently launched the online application for its newest and most-prestigious state scholarship, which is aimed at addressing critical teacher shortages in math, science, elementary education and special education.  The Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program will provide up to $10,000 per year in financial aid to 25 recent high school graduates to encourage them to become outstanding West Virginia public school teachers.  This is the state’s largest-dollar financial aid award and most-prestigious scholarship for undergraduate students, according to Dr.  Sarah…

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Over 450 West Virginia schools registered to participate in “College Application and Exploration Week”

November 1, 2019

“College Application and Exploration Week” helps students explore postsecondary options and careers CHARLESTON, W.Va. – “College Application and Exploration Week” will be celebrated statewide on November 4 – 8. Students, from pre-school to adult learners, will participate in hands-on college planning activities including college application workshops, panel discussions with current college students, college scavenger hunts, and trivia contests. They will also learn about different types of college options available such as certificate programs, career and technical programs, two-year degree programs, four-year degree programs, and military experience. “The path our students take after high school is one of the most important…

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News Release: Thousands of West Virginia students to explore college, career options for life after high school during statewide “College Application and Exploration Week”

November 5, 2018

Thousands of West Virginia students to explore college, career options for life after high school during statewide “College Application and Exploration Week” CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia’s Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) is helping more than 100,000 students from 420 schools across the state learn about education after they graduate from high school during College Application and Exploration Week, Nov. 5-9. Today kicks off the annual College Application and Exploration Week celebration, which is coordinated by the College Foundation of West Virginia (CFWV), a partnership of the Higher Education Policy Commission, the Community and Technical College System (CTCS) and the West Virginia Department of Education.…

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News Release: West Virginia educators to collaborate to improve educational outcomes during annual Student Success Summit

July 24, 2018

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…

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Statewide “College Decision Day” events to celebrate graduating high school seniors

April 16, 2018

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…

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West Virginia students earning higher GPAs, completing first year of college thanks to text messaging service

December 6, 2017

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…

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West Virginia schools to celebrate statewide College Application and Exploration Week

November 1, 2017

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,…

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Higher Education Policy Commission and Kanawha County Schools awarded $50,000 for FAFSA completion efforts

September 14, 2017

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

August 25, 2017

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

August 22, 2017

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…

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Herald-Dispatch: Editorial: Rise in student aid applications a good sign for WV

August 17, 2017

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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WVVA: Byrd Higher Ed Center announces 10th anniversary scholarship winners

August 15, 2017

RALEIGH COUNTY, WV (WVVA) – For ten years, the Erma Byrd Higher Education Center has been helping make it possible for a segment of the student population to get their degrees. And now, the collaborative learning center is looking toward the next decade of serving students. Students, family and administrators gathered in front of the Erma Byrd Higher Education Center in Beaver to celebrate ten years of serving students. A time capsule, filled with messages of hope and thoughts of what the future may hold, was buried as part of a ceremony that awarded 30 students with $1,000 scholarships. “It’s…

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Photo of buttons that say FAFSA and a financial aid booklet

Gazette-Mail: Two-thirds of WV’s high school seniors apply for financial aid

August 14, 2017

Nearly two-thirds of all high school seniors in West Virginia had completed an important application by the end of June, according to the state’s Higher Education Policy Commission. The application, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is the first step for students to earn the Promise Scholarship and to qualify for other forms of federal student aid. In Kanawha County, where state officials secured a $55,000 grant to encourage more students to complete the application, there was at least an 8 percent bump from the 2014-15 school year. “Our high schools were very creative in reaching out to students…

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Higher Education Policy Commission recognizes Kanawha County high schools for college-going efforts

August 7, 2017

‘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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Dr. Paul Hill, Chancellor of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, congratulates students, faculty and staff on the ten-year success of the Erma Byrd Higher Education Center.

Erma Byrd Center celebrates tenth anniversary

August 4, 2017

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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Student Success Summit to focus on collaboration across education systems

July 25, 2017

Seventh annual Summit kicks off tomorrow in Morgantown MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Nearly 500 education administrators, teachers, students, military leaders and community group members will come together this week to tackle education issues in the Mountain State. The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) and the West Virginia Department of Education will host the seventh annual statewide Student Success Summit on Wednesday, July 26 and Thursday, July 27 at the Marriott Waterfront Hotel and Conference Center in Morgantown. The Summit focuses on encouraging collaboration across the full length of the education pipeline. Representatives ranging from pre-school teachers to college presidents…

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Smart Student Loan Borrowing

State higher ed officials offer guidance on student loan borrowing

July 5, 2017

Eight tips for financing higher education CHARLESTON, W.Va. – As students and families across the state are planning their budgets for the fall semester of college, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) and Community and Technical College System (CTCS) today issued guidance on making smart choices when it comes to student loan borrowing. “Choosing to pursue education and training beyond high school is undoubtedly a sound investment,” Dr. Paul Hill, Chancellor at the Commission, said. “But just like with any other financial decision, it’s imperative that students make informed choices in deciding the type and amount of loans…

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West Virginia ‘GEAR UP’ to host college prep academy at Concord University

June 12, 2017

ATHENS, W.Va. – On Wednesday, nearly 200 high school sophomores are expected to arrive at Concord University to attend GEAR UP U, a summer academy designed to give students the opportunity to experience life on a college campus. The event, which runs this Wednesday, June 14 through Saturday, June 17, is sponsored by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission’s (HEPC’s) federally funded “Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP)” initiative. During GEAR UP U, students will live on the campus of Concord University, go to classes based on their chosen major and hone their leadership skills. Students will also participate in…

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WVNS: Summers County High Recognizes College Bound Seniors

May 5, 2017
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