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W.Va. colleges and universities commit to increased support for student veterans
All public undergraduate institutions accept ‘5 Star Challenge’ CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia’s public two-year and four-year colleges and universities are pledging increased support for student veterans during events to be held this week through the State’s ‘5 Star Challenge’ initiative, which launched earlier this fall. The Challenge, which calls on institutions to adopt a set of exemplary standards for supporting student veterans, is a tribute to the military tradition of issuing “challenge coins” to service members who embody the values and standards of their military units. College and university presidents from across West Virginia will participate in ceremonies pledging…
Continue ReadingCharleston Gazette editorial: A plan for college
From the Charleston Gazette-Mail Higher Education Chancellor Paul Hill shared some disturbing news in a meeting with Gazette-Mail editors last week: West Virginia has lost significant ground on the rate of high school graduates going on to college. As of five years ago, West Virginia had worked up to 61.5 percent of students going on to college after high school, close to the national average of 63 percent. Since then, that rate has dropped to about 55 percent, where it was 15 years ago. This is happening despite the continuing projections that most jobs in the future will require some…
Continue ReadingPROMISE Scholarship application opens Nov. 2
Charleston Gazette-Mail by Samuel Speciale Applications for West Virginia’s Promise Scholarship will be available starting Monday. The merit-based financial aid program, which covers up to $4,750 in tuition and fees, is awarded to eligible high school graduates. The application is available until March 1, the same day students must turn in their Free Application for Federal Student Aid, also known as the FAFSA. While receiving the scholarship requires meeting academic benchmarks, one higher education official said eligibility should not keep a student from applying. “Basically, if you are a high school student in West Virginia, apply,” said Brian Weingart, director…
Continue ReadingCharleston Daily Mail editorial: College-going culture can help drive economy
From the Charleston Gazette-Mail. The statistics are well-known: West Virginia has the fewest adults with bachelor’s degrees, the fewest number of adults working and the highest student loan default rate in the country. Combating those statistics is hard, but something Higher Education Policy Commission Chancellor Paul Hill works to do every day. Hill and other HEPC officials met with a combined Gazette-Mail editorial board Tuesday to talk about the challenges West Virginia faces when it comes to post-secondary education. Hill wants to create a “college-going culture” in West Virginia. Though that may sound difficult, there are some things working in West Virginia’s…
Continue ReadingCharleston Gazette-Mail: Higher ed leader wants to create college-going culture in WV
BY SAMUEL SPECIALE Fewer students are attending and completing college in West Virginia, a statistic that, along with budget cuts and increases in tuition, has state higher education officials concerned. With the state’s college-going and completion rates falling to 55 and 24 percent, respectively, West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission Chancellor Paul Hill wants students to see the importance of earning a postsecondary education. “We want to create a college-going culture,” he said Tuesday during a meeting with Gazette-Mail editors. The college-going rate in West Virginia — the number of students attending either an in-state of out-of-state college — is…
Continue ReadingChancellor Hill talks college and careers with seniors at St. Albans High School
Charleston, W.Va. – This week, Chancellor Paul Hill sat down with a group of seniors at St. Albans High School to discuss their goals for life after high school, why college is important for their futures, and how they can succeed in postsecondary education. “These students are engaged and excited about what’s next, and at the same time they have worries and questions about the process,” Chancellor Hill said. “Programs through the Higher Education Policy Commission are here to help students across West Virginia navigate the college-going process. It was great to share these resources directly with the bright young…
Continue Reading1,300 eighth grade students ‘GEAR UP’ for college
West Liberty mascot wins ‘Mascot Mania’ contest CHARLESTON, W.Va. – More than 1,300 eighth graders attended the West Virginia ‘GEAR UP’ Student Leadership Academy held yesterday at the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences. ‘GEAR UP,’ which stands for “Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs,” is a federally funded college readiness program coordinated by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. During the event, students learned about college options and the importance of developing their leadership skills to take charge of their futures. Kendyl Ryan, a graduate of the West Virginia GEAR UP program, said GEAR UP has taught her to take…
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Charleston Gazette-Mail: WV college attendance program continues with new funding
BY RYAN QUINN About 1,300 West Virginia eighth graders danced, laughed and cheered Wednesday in Charleston at the kickoff event for a program to get kids from disadvantaged areas and backgrounds into college or other post-high school training — and take others with them. Last year, the U.S. Department of Education granted the Mountain State $21 million in its third Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) grant, according to Jessica Kennedy. Kennedy — director of communications and outreach for the Division of Student Affairs, part of West Virginia’s public higher education agencies — said the GEAR…
Continue ReadingMetroNews: 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 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 ReadingChancellor Hill: The answer is higher education
This commentary appeared in the August 30, 2015 edition of the Charleston Gazette-Mail. In 1963, my father lost his coal mining job at the Kopperston No. 1 mine in Wyoming County. With very little money, we returned to our farm in Lincoln County, hoping for better days. It was a challenging time for our family – and a defining moment in my life. I observed intently as my father worked hard to sharpen his skills and his mind, taking night classes at a local high school. His resolve paid off when he earned a job in Richwood at the Department…
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 ReadingMore than 3,200 PROMISE scholars eligible to begin college this fall in West Virginia
Charleston, W.Va. – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission today announced that more than 3,200 students who graduated from high school this year have been awarded PROMISE Scholarships, annual awards of up to $4,750 they can use beginning this fall toward tuition and fees at colleges and universities in West Virginia. Additional PROMISE Scholarships will be awarded as eligible students are identified through June 2015 ACT and SAT testing scores. “Again this year, the PROMISE Scholarship is making college more accessible and affordable for thousands of West Virginia students,” said Paul Hill, the Commission’s Chancellor. “Through this merit-based program,…
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 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…
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Chancellor Hill: Marking 50 years of the Higher Education Act
On November 8, 1965, President Lyndon Johnson signed into law the Higher Education Act, unparalleled federal legislation that strengthened investments in public colleges and universities and provided dedicated support to students pursuing higher education. On that day 50 years ago, he said, “This will swing open a new door for the young people of America…the most important door that will ever open – the door to education.” This was a touchstone moment for higher education in our country. It made postsecondary education a national priority and placed it within the reach of more lower- and middle-income Americans. And it avowed…
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