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Jessica Tice
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Student leaders from colleges and universities statewide come together for the Student Leadership Conference
DAVIS, WV – Fifty student government representatives from thirteen two- and four-year colleges across West Virginia gathered at Canaan Valley Resort and Conference Center for the 18th annual West Virginia Student Leadership Conference (WVSLC). The WVSLC serves as a training event for student government representatives, many of whom are newly elected to their roles. During the conference, students learned leadership skills, networked with other student body leaders, and shared ideas for engaging their campus communities. The event provides workshops on a variety of leadership topics and an opportunity for student leaders to exchange ideas and work together to find solutions to issues that are important to them and the students on their…
Continue ReadingWest Virginia celebrates nursing scholars, highlights nursing workforce growth during National Nurses Week
CHARLESTON, WV – West Virginia’s higher education office is celebrating nursing scholarship recipients, education opportunities and recent workforce growth during National Nurses Week, which runs through Friday, May 12, 2023. The West Virginia Nursing Scholarship Program, which provides awards to Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN), Registered Nursing (RN), graduate and LPN teaching certificate students in exchange for service in West Virginia, is accepting applications until June 1 for the 2023-24 academic year. The program is administered by the West Virginia Center for Nursing in conjunction with the Higher Education Policy Commission. “I am grateful for the West Virginia Nursing Scholarship Program and…
Continue ReadingWest Virginia awarded $20 million in scientific research funding from National Science Foundation
West Virginia has received more than $105 million in EPSCoR funding and co-funding since 2001 CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia has been awarded a highly competitive, five-year $20 million grant from the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) that will boost academic scientific research and upgrade infrastructure at West Virginia University (WVU), Marshall University (MU), West Virginia State University (WVSU) and Shepherd University. EPSCoR is facilitated by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission’s Division of Science, Technology & Research (STaR). This funding establishes the WV Network for Functional Neuroscience and Transcriptomics (WV-NFNT), a statewide…
Continue ReadingNationally recognized LEGO learning and educational technology experts headline West Virginia Statewide Technology Conference
Annual event returns to Morgantown in July MORGANTOWN, W.VA. – A leader at incorporating LEGO blocks into “STEAM” education and a nationally recognized higher education technology expert are slated as keynote speakers for the West Virginia Statewide Technology Conference set for July 19-21, 2023, in Morgantown. Dr. Leanna Prater, Senior Professional Learning Manager at LEGO Education, and Derek Bruff, Ph.D., educator, author, and higher ed consultant, will be keynote speakers at the July 19-21, 2023, conference in Morgantown, W.Va. Dr. Prater brings a wealth of experience to the field of education, having worked as an elementary school teacher, district technology…
Continue ReadingRavenswood High School wins American College Application Campaign School of Excellence Award
CHARLESTON, WV – Ravenswood High School is a recipient of ACT’s American College Application Campaign (ACAC) School of Excellence Award for their commitment to postsecondary student success. ACAC is a national effort to increase the number of first-generation college students and students from low-income families pursuing a college degree or other higher education credential. Twenty-three schools from across the nation were selected for this award based on their demonstrated commitment to student success and for serving as exemplary models for their state’s college application campaign. Collaborators from all fifty states and the District of Columbia submit recommendations for School of…
Continue ReadingApril 15 deadline for Higher Education Grant Program approaching; award amount increased for next year
Charleston, W.Va. – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and Community and Technical College System remind students that April 15 is the deadline to apply for the Higher Education Grant Program (HEGP), the state’s need-based financial aid program. The Commission recently voted to increase the award, which helps cover the cost of tuition and fees at two- and four-year colleges and universities, to $3,300 for the 2023-24 school year. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the only application required to be considered for the grant, can be completed online at fafsa.gov. “The Higher Education Grant is a lifeline…
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Morgantown High School Team 1 Named 2023 Academic Showdown Grand Champion
Charleston, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) is pleased to announce Morgantown High School Team 1, Monongalia County, as the 2023 West Virginia Academic Showdown grand champion following the finale at the West Virginia Culture Center today. Morgantown High School Team 1 was among 10 teams representing five regional competition winners in the second year of the high school scholastic competition. George Washington High School, Kanawha County, earned runner-up. Over the past three months, 71 teams from 40 high schools representing 26 counties competed in this academic head-to-head competition which tested students’ knowledge in subjects including math,…
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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
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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WV Mental Health Leadership Scholarship
WV Mental Health Leadership ScholarshipThe West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and West Virginia Community and Technical College System are excited to offer a limited number of scholarships for students attending public colleges and universities in West Virginia to attend the upcoming Active Minds Conference – the nation’s leading mental health conference for young adults – July 7-8 in Washington, D.C. This year’s conference theme is “Be the Mental Health Change” and the sessions will showcase the most innovative and effective approaches to supporting young adult well-being and changing the conversation about mental health on campuses, in schools, in the…
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Second Annual Academic Showdown
Brackets Set For Competition
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – In the spirit of March Madness, the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) is pleased to announce the 2023 Academic Showdown finale bracket selection. The live online drawing gave teams their first look at the first round match-ups. The Academic Showdown finale is scheduled for March 31, 2023, at the West Virginia Culture Center in Charleston with matches beginning at 9 a.m. Below are the results of the bracket selection: Match 1: James Monroe High School vs. Winfield High School Match 2: Morgantown High School Team 1 vs. George Washington High School Match 3: Spring Mills High…
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West Virginia’s Promise scholars will earn more money for college next year; deadline to apply is May 1
CHARLESTON, WV – In a special meeting today, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission voted to extend the deadline for current high school seniors to apply for the Promise Scholarship until May 1, 2023. The Commission also approved increasing the award amount for the 2023-24 academic year to $5,200, up from the previous amount of $5,000 annually. “Our high school seniors have been working so hard to stay on track for their futures, and we want to give them every opportunity to access the support they need to continue their education after they graduate,” said Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker,…
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Academic Showdown West Virginia State University Regional Winners Announced
Institute, W.Va. – Two teams have advanced out of the final regional of the 2023 Academic Showdown. George Washington High School Team 1, Kanawha County, earned first place; and Wheeling Park High School Team 1, Ohio County, earned second place today during the competition at West Virginia State University in Institute, West Virginia. Both have earned a spot in the finale on March 31, 2023, at the West Virginia Culture Center in Charleston. The Showdown is an academic head-to-head competition testing students’ knowledge in subject areas including math, history, sports, fine arts and more. Students in grades 9 -12 may participate,…
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Academic Showdown Concord University Regional Winners Announced
Athens, W.Va. – Two teams have advanced out of the fourth regional of the 2023 Academic Showdown. James Monroe High School Team 1, Monroe County, earned first place; and Ripley High School Team 1, Jackson County, earned second place today during the competition at Concord University in Athens, West Virginia. Both have earned a spot in the finale on March 31, 2023, at the West Virginia Culture Center in Charleston. The Showdown is an academic head-to-head competition testing students’ knowledge in subject areas including math, history, sports, fine arts and more. Students in grades 9 -12 may participate, and schools may…
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Academic Showdown West Virginia University Regional Winners Announced
Morgantown, W.Va. – Two teams have advanced out of the third regional of the 2023 Academic Showdown. Morgantown High School Team 2 (Monongalia County) won first place and Morgantown High School Team 1 won second place during the competition at West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia. Both teams have earned a spot in the finale on March 31, 2023, at the West Virginia Culture Center in Charleston. The Showdown is an academic head-to-head competition testing students’ knowledge in subject areas including math, history, sports, fine arts and more. Students in grades 9 -12 may participate, and schools may enter up…
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March 1 deadline approaching for West Virginia high school seniors to apply for the Promise Scholarship
CHARLESTON, WV – High school seniors in the class of 2023 planning to apply for West Virginia’s Promise Scholarship have until March 1 to complete both the Promise application and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Through Promise, qualifying high school graduates receive annual awards of up to $5,000 to cover the cost of tuition and mandatory fees at West Virginia colleges and universities. “We are encouraging West Virginia’s current high school seniors to fill out the FAFSA to see what kind of financial aid they’re eligible for, and to complete the Promise application as soon as possible,”…
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Academic Showdown Shepherd Regional Winners Announced
Shepherdstown, W.Va. – Two teams have advanced out of the second regional of the 2023 Academic Showdown. Berkeley Springs High School Team 1, Morgan County, earned first place; Spring Mills High School Team 1, Berkeley County, earned second place today during the competition at Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Both have earned a spot in the finale on March 31, 2023, at the West Virginia Culture Center in Charleston. The Showdown is an academic head-to-head competition testing students’ knowledge in subject areas including math, history, sports, fine arts and more. Students in grades 9 -12 may participate, and schools may…
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Academic Showdown Marshall Regional Winners Announced
Huntington, W.Va. – Two teams have advanced out of the first regional of the 2023 Academic Showdown. Huntington High School Team 1, Cabell County, earned first place; and Winfield High School Team 1, Putnam County, earned second place today during the competition at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Both have earned a spot in the finale on March 31, 2023, at the West Virginia Culture Center in Charleston. The Showdown is an academic head-to-head competition testing students’ knowledge in subject areas including math, history, sports, fine arts and more. Students in grades 9 -12 may participate, and schools may…
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Total enrollment at West Virginia’s public colleges and universities remains mostly steady, high school dual enrollment on the rise
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Student enrollment in West Virginia’s community and technical colleges and public four-year universities remained mostly steady for the fall 2022 semester compared to the year before. For the state’s community and technical colleges, enrollment rose from 15,555 in 2021 to 15,770 in 2022, with public four-year enrollment declining slightly from 57,102 in 2021 to 56,303 in 2022 – representing a 1.4 percent decline. First-time freshmen enrollment rose across both systems, increasing at community colleges from 2,441 in 2021 to 2,530 in 2022, and from 9,433 in 2021 to 9,802 for public universities – the first new freshmen…
Continue ReadingDeadline approaching for high school seniors interested in becoming WV teachers to apply for $40,000 scholarship
CHARLESTON, WV – Current high school seniors who are interested in becoming teachers in West Virginia have until December 31 of this year to apply for the state’s newest and most prestigious scholarship, the Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars Program. This scholarship, now entering its fourth year, provides up to $10,000 per year – or $40,000 total – for 25 new scholars each year from a national applicant pool. “Teaching is one of the most important and rewarding careers a student can choose to pursue. Our Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars represent West Virginia’s most promising future teachers, and we’re ready to welcome even…
Continue ReadingWest Virginia agencies working to train, recruit and retain rural health providers
State’s higher education community joins DHHR’s Office of Rural Health to observe National Rural Health Day CHARLESTON, WV – West Virginia’s higher education community is joining with the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources’ (DHHR) State Office of Rural Health, under DHHR’s Bureau for Public Health, in celebrating the state’s health providers and educators today as part of National Rural Health Day. Held annually on the third Thursday of November, this day is designed to recognize the efforts of those serving the health needs of an estimated 57 million people across the country. “West Virginia depends on our…
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West Virginia secures $210,000 federal grant to expand international education opportunities at West Virginia State University and Bluefield State University
CHARLESTON, WV – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission), West Virginia State University (WVSU) and Bluefield State University (BSU) have received a $210,000 two-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education to help carry out programs to strengthen and improve undergraduate instruction in international studies and foreign languages in West Virginia. The grant, combined with the Commission’s international efforts, will empower more students in West Virginia to develop foreign language proficiency, engage in international internships, and pursue study abroad opportunities. “International education boosts our state’s economy and the academic quality and cultural diversity of our campuses,” said Dr.…
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Colleges and universities across West Virginia celebrate successes of first-generation students
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…
Continue ReadingStudents from more than 400 West Virginia schools participate in ‘College Application and Exploration Week’
CHARLESTON, WV – Last week, students ranging in age from pre-school to adult learners at more than 400 schools across West Virginia, participated in hands-on college-planning activities during the state’s annual “College Application and Exploration Week.” The week-long series of events, which include college application and financial aid workshops, panel discussions, scavenger hunts and trivia contests, is sponsored by College for West Virginia (CFWV), West Virginia’s free college- and career-planning initiative coordinated by the state’s Higher Education Policy Commission, Community and Technical College System, and Department of Education. The week is designed to help more West Virginians pursue a postsecondary…
Continue ReadingWest Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission awarded $3 million to help first-generation students in Northern Panhandle earn credentials after high school
CHARLESTON, WV – The U.S. Department of Education recently announced that the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) will receive two Upward Bound Math and Science grants of nearly $1.5 million each to help low-income students in the Northern Panhandle who will be the first in their families to earn a postsecondary credential or degree. Together with partner institution West Liberty University (WLU), the Commission will work over the next five years with students at John Marshall High School and Weir High School to encourage and support them in pursuing postsecondary education. “This is an incredible opportunity for us…
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Thirty-eight high schools across West Virginia recognized for strong efforts to help students plan for education or training after graduation
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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