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Dr. Powell

Veteran I.T. professional to lead West Virginia Network

November 13, 2019

Dr. Carl Powell brings more than 30 years of higher education experience to the state’s educational technology agency MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia Network (WVNET) has selected Dr. Carl Powell to serve as its next director. Powell most recently was an independent technology and management consultant and the chief information officer for the Columbus, Ohio, Metropolitan library. Since 2000, Powell has served as vice president and chief information officer at universities in Colorado, Michigan and Ohio. His experience overseeing large higher education I.T. organizations and his ability to understand customer and student needs and the importance of expanded high-speed…

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Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholarship Logo

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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24 high schools recognized for performance guiding students to college

September 27, 2019

Principals, counselors receive state’s first ‘Champion of College Access and Success’ Awards CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Principals, counselors and staff from 24 high schools across West Virginia today are being recognized for their schools’ efforts to make students aware of higher education opportunities after they graduate. The inaugural “Champion of College Access and Success” recognition awards were presented by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission to select schools that go the extra mile to help students and their families plan for college.              Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker, interim chancellor of the Commission, said staff at every high school in West…

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West Virginia Higher Education Grant Program celebrates 50th anniversary, having awarded nearly $760 million to West Virginia students

January 29, 2019

Presidents, students, alumni and staff members from West Virginia’s public two- and four-year colleges and universities and independent, not-for-profit institutions pose alongside legislators in the Senate and House chambers, respectively.   CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Since 1969, more than 400,000 awards have helped West Virginia students pay their college tuition, thanks to the West Virginia Higher Education Grant Program (WVHEGP). College and university students, faculty and staff from across the state yesterday celebrated the 50th anniversary of this successful grant as part of the annual Higher Education Day at the Legislature. The WVHEGP is a need-based financial aid program designed to ensure West Virginia students with…

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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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West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission releases enrollment report, announces newly appointed members

November 17, 2017

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…

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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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Mingo Central High School College Decision Day 2016

High schools across West Virginia to participate in ‘College Decision Day’ events

April 18, 2017

Schools to celebrate students’ commitment to pursuing higher education CHARLESTON, W.Va. – High schools across West Virginia are hosting celebrations to honor seniors who plan to enroll in college or training programs after graduation. More than 40 schools will participate in the College Foundation of West Virginia’s (CFWV)’s fourth annual College Decision Day campaign. CFWV is a statewide college readiness initiative coordinated by the Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) and Community and Technical College System (CTCS). “Growing our economy will depend on growing the skills and capacity of our workforce,” Dr. Sarah Tucker, Chancellor of the CTCS, said. “Students who commit to pursuing higher…

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West Virginia ‘GEAR UP’ to host Career Academy

April 10, 2017

More than 1,000 students expected to attend event featuring U.S. Senators, industry leaders, STEM celebrities CHARLESTON, W.VA. — More than 1,000 ninth graders are visiting Charleston this week to explore career fields and gain insight from business and industry leaders. The West Virginia GEAR UP Career Academy, happening Thursday, April 13, at the Charleston Civic Center, will feature hands-on activities and interactive presentations to help students learn about career paths and plan for their futures. The West Virginia GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) initiative is a federally funded grant program administered by the state’s Higher Education Policy…

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MetroNews: Fifteen to Finish program promotes faster college graduation rates

November 6, 2016

FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Fairmont State junior and Boone County native Taylor Raby is glad she’s able to handle a full-time schedule–something that some students either aren’t able to or choose not to do. “I thought it was really important just to be able to graduate on time,” she said. “I’m actually going to be able to graduate early, hopefully.” The upperclassmen was one of nine students to talk with Dr. Paul Hill, Chancellor of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, on Thursday during a sit-down meeting to emphasize the importance of taking at least fifteen credit hours each semester.…

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W.Va. colleges and universities to implement new model to improve college completion

September 7, 2016

When: 12 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, September 8  8:15 a.m. to  3 p.m. Friday, September 9  Who/What: The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission will host the first statewide Co-Requisite Academy for faculty and staff from West Virginia’s public four-year colleges and universities. During the academy, campus teams will develop strategies to implement the co-requisite model of developmental course delivery, a method proven to boost college success rates.  Why: Nearly one in four students at West Virginia’s public four-year colleges and universities are required to take developmental English or Math courses due to low scores on college admissions exams or low…

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College Foundation of West Virginia providing college planning help through text messages

January 20, 2016

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Students heading to college this fall can receive deadline reminders and get help completing college-related tasks — all through text messaging.  The College Foundation of West Virginia (CFWV) is offering the service to any West Virginia student considering entering a two-year college, four-year college or career and technical program in the fall of 2016. Participating students will receive a few text messages per month reminding them of upcoming deadlines and providing information about important college-planing tasks such as applying for financial aid, registering for orientation and purchasing text books. Additionally, students can text back anytime they have…

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Governor Tomblin declares ‘West Virginia GEAR UP Week’ in recognition of college readiness program

September 21, 2015

‘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…

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College Goal Sunday event offers free assistance in applying for college financial aid

February 5, 2015

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…

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Charleston Gazette: State wants to redefine ‘full-time’ college status

October 1, 2014

Article: Charleston Gazette September 30, 2014 By Mackenzie Mays Federal financial guidelines require a college student to take 12 credit hours each semester in order to be a labeled full-time student, but more and more education officials say that’s not enough if students want to complete their degrees on time. West Virginia is joining several states across the country in launching a “15 to Finish” campaign, which urges colleges to promote 15-credit semesters in an attempt to get more students to complete courses in the right time frame and subsequently avoid higher tuition costs and a delayed entry to the…

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Chancellor Hill: 15 to Finish – a simple message to drive college completion

September 30, 2014

This commentary appeared in the September 30 edition of the Charleston Gazette.  When preparing for college, there are so many questions students must consider — from which school and major are the right fit, to choosing from financial aid options and mapping out schedules. Through all of this detailed planning, I believe it’s clear that students enter college with a real desire to graduate on time and start their careers as soon as possible. To help them reach that goal, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission has launched a 15 to Finish campaign — with a simple but critical…

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Governor Tomblin declares statewide “College Application and Exploration Week”

August 25, 2014

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Governor Earl Ray Tomblin has designated October 20 – 24 as “College Application and Exploration Week” in an effort to help students prepare for college. Schools across the state will participate by hosting a variety of hands-on activities including college application workshops, panel discussions with current college students and college scavenger hunts and trivia contests. During the week, students of all ages — from kindergarteners to adult learners — will learn about the importance of pursuing higher education and the different types of college options available including certificate programs, two-year degree programs and four-year degree programs. Students who…

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Statewide “College Day Tour” schedule announced

August 13, 2014

College planning events to be held September 9 through October 29 CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Representatives from West Virginia’s colleges and universities will hit the road next month 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…

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HEPC to begin ’15 to Finish’ campaign

August 4, 2014

Article: WV MetroNews CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The state Higher Education Policy Commission will roll out an informational campaign on college and university campuses encouraging students to graduate within four years. Higher Education Chancellor Dr. Paul Hill said the “15 to Finish” campaign will encourage students to take at last 15 credit hours every semester in order to graduate on time. Read more »

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4th Annual Student Success Summit: Redefining College and More

August 4, 2014

Article: West Virginia Public Broadcasting The WV Department of Education says high school graduation rate has been increasing and is up to 80 percent. But only 56 percent of students are college bound.  How to improve those rates, and defining what “college-bound” really means were among the discussions at the fourth annual Student Success Summit in Morgantown last week. Read more or listen to the story.  

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Students join forces to help others earn a college diploma

July 31, 2014

MORGANTOWN, W.VA. – Nearly 40 students completed the College Foundation of West Virginia (CFWV) Youth Summit held this week in Morgantown. The Youth Summit was part of West Virginia’s annual Student Success Summit, an event that brought together education administrators, teachers, students, military leaders and community group members to focus on collaborating to promote lifelong success for the State’s students. Tenth and 11th graders from Berkeley Springs, Elkins, John Marshall, Philip Barbour and Point Pleasant high schools participated in the Youth Summit, which offered a variety of workshops to develop their leadership skills. The Youth Summit focused on helping students…

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Dr. Adam Green: Higher education leads to higher wages

December 13, 2013

In a recent editorial, the Daily Mail argued against increasing the minimum wage. Editors noted that while it’s a tough marketplace for workers with little education or experience, the bigger question is how to expand access to jobs with higher earnings. Arguing whether the minimum wage should be increased is not within my realm of expertise. However, I believe the editors are right to point out that opportunities for low-skilled workers are increasingly limited and that growing our economy revolves around bigger issues. In my mind, we cannot talk about income equality or economic growth without addressing higher education. Increasing…

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Chancellor Hill: Hitting “restart” for those who have stopped out

August 30, 2013

For so many people who have some college credits but are no longer enrolled, the desire to walk across the stage to a degree is strong, but the prospect of returning to school is daunting. There are hosts of roadblocks, from finances to a lack of extra time and family commitments, so it’s our job at the public higher education level to even out the road for returning students. In West Virginia, we have placed an increased emphasis on helping adult learners complete their postsecondary education. And the good news is that our efforts are paying off. We are graduating…

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