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Jessica Tice
304-558-0699
jessica.tice@wvhepc.edu
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…
Continue ReadingWV Higher Education Policy Commission approves presidential contract, appoints representative to financial aid advisory board, reauthorizes two institutions
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – In a special meeting today, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission voted to approve the compensation package for Dr. Dianna Phillips, newly appointed interim president at Fairmont State University. Dr. Phillips, who previously served as Fairmont State’s Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost, was appointed as interim president by the institution’s board of governors on July 15. “I’m looking forward to working with Dr. Phillips in this role as we work, collectively as a state, to increase opportunities for our students to succeed in their studies and in their careers,” said Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker,…
Continue ReadingMore than 450 educators, school partners and community leaders convene to focus on student achievement during annual West Virginia Student Success Summit
Charleston, W.Va. – More than 450 West Virginians dedicated to the achievement of the Mountain State’s students gathered this week at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center for the West Virginia Student Success Summit, an annual event hosted in partnership by West Virginia’s Higher Education Policy Commission, Community & Technical College System, and Department of Education. Focusing on this year’s theme, “Framing West Virginia’s Future Together,” school counselors, educators, administrators from pre-school through higher education discussed how to better create seamless, lifelong learning opportunities for the state’s students and prepare them for West Virginia’s future economy. “It is perhaps more…
Continue ReadingState selects 27 students for West Virginia’s prestigious teaching scholarship
Incoming college freshmen will receive $40,000 Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars award CHARLESTON, WV – Twenty-seven high school seniors who graduated this year have been selected as West Virginia’s third cohort of Underwood-Smith Teaching Scholars. These students will receive the state’s newest and most prestigious scholarship of up to $10,000 per year – or $40,000 total – for their college education as they prepare to pursue rewarding careers as West Virginia teachers. “I’m incredibly proud of these young scholars, and I can’t wait to see what they accomplish over the next four years and beyond,” said Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker, West Virginia’s…
Continue ReadingWV Higher Education Policy Commission approves funding formula rule, streamlines academic program review and institution authorization process
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission has approved a new rule for state higher education institution funding and streamlined academic program review and approval rules during its regular meeting. The Series 2 funding rule is the next major step in implementation of a formula for state appropriations for all state colleges and universities. The rule approval represents the culmination of more than three years of collaboration among the Commission, the colleges and universities, and the West Virginia Legislature to develop a funding model that provides a data-informed and objective rationale for annual state appropriations to the…
Continue ReadingStudent leaders from colleges and universities statewide focus on improving campus mental health
DAVIS, WV – More than 50 student leaders representing colleges and universities across West Virginia recently came together at Canaan Valley Resort and Conference Center for the annual West Virginia Student Leadership Conference (WVSLC) to discuss a variety of issues college students care about, including student mental health. The WVSLC serves as a training event for student government representatives, many of whom are newly elected to their roles. 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.…
Continue ReadingWest Virginia Center for Nursing releases 2021 data as part of efforts to strengthen state’s nursing workforce
CHARLESTON, WV – The West Virginia Center for Nursing has released Registered Nurse (RN) and Advanced Practiced Registered Nurse (APRN) supply data for 2021. This information will allow the state to assess the strength of West Virginia’s nursing workforce and inform stakeholders as they continue planning around nursing workforce development. West Virginia currently has 29,817 RNs and 4,692 APRNs licensed in the state (using highest licensure available; APRNs during this award year were also required to hold an RN license). “The Center aggregates these data on a yearly basis and has developed a consistent timeline for its collection and dissemination…
Continue ReadingHigher Education Policy Commission approves nursing education opportunities resulting from Gov. Justice’s nursing workforce expansion program
HUNTINGTON, WV – During its meeting today on the campus of Marshall University, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) approved a new Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at Concord University, as well as Marshall University’s request to offer the BSN degree on the campus of Glenville State University. These programs are among 27 nursing education programs at colleges, universities, schools of nursing, and career technical education centers across the state that have received a total of $25.5 million through Gov. Jim Justice’s nursing workforce expansion program. “We are tremendously grateful to Gov. Justice for providing this…
Continue ReadingRaleigh County’s Liberty High School receives American College Application Campaign’s School of Excellence Award
CHARLESTON, WV – College for West Virginia (CFWV) announced today that Liberty High School in Raleigh County has been named a recipient of the American College Application Campaign’s 2021 School of Excellence Award. This makes Liberty one of only 19 schools across the nation selected to receive this honor in recognition of their strong commitment to helping students complete their college applications and continue their education. “Our office is so proud to work with high schools across West Virginia, every single day, to help more young people pursue their college and career goals,” said Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker, West Virginia’s…
Continue ReadingWest Virginia higher education faculty and staff recognized for helping students save nearly $450,000 in textbook costs
CHARLESTON, WV – Three West Virginia higher education employees are being honored for their leadership in implementing Open Educational Resources (OER), which are cost-effective alternatives to traditional textbooks, for their students. In 2021, West Virginia’s Higher Education Policy Commission and Community and Technical College System launched Open Learning WV to provide grants to faculty members at public and private colleges and universities across the state to use OER. Since Spring 2021, nearly 90 faculty have converted more than 100 courses to OER through the initiative, resulting in a savings of nearly $450,000 for 3,000 students. The following faculty members received…
Continue ReadingMore than 70 high schools across West Virginia to celebrate college-bound seniors through “College Decision Day” events
CHARLESTON, WV – More than 70 high schools across West Virginia will recognize seniors who have committed to continuing their education or training after graduation through “College Decision Day” events, which will run from April until June. This campaign, coordinated annually through College for West Virginia (CFWV), provides schools with the opportunity to celebrate students who have committed to entering a certificate program, a career or technical program, a two- or four-year degree program, an apprenticeship program or military service. “Every year through College Decision Day events, we have the opportunity to celebrate students who have made the life-changing commitment…
Continue ReadingCollege student leaders across West Virginia launch Green Bandana Initiative to create greater visibility for student mental health
CHARLESTON, WV – West Virginia’s Advisory Council of Students (ACS), which comprises student government representatives from each of the state’s public colleges and universities, has launched the West Virginia Green Bandana Initiative, which is shining a brighter light on student mental health on campuses statewide. Through the initiative, students who complete mental health training this spring receive green bandanas that, when displayed on their backpacks or elsewhere, signal to other students that they are open to talking and are a source of support. According to a recent national survey, two-thirds (67 percent) of college students say that they have faced…
Continue ReadingStudent leaders from high schools and colleges kick off second year of the West Virginia Student Success Leadership Council
CHARLESTON, WV – The West Virginia Student Success Leadership Council (WVSSLC) kicked off its second year in a virtual conference last week attended by 55 student leaders representing 49 high schools and six colleges and universities across the state. The WVSSLC, an initiative of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, Community and Technical College System of West Virginia, and West Virginia Department of Education, is driven by its student members, who work together to help create a college-going culture in their schools and communities. Through a virtual roundtable atmosphere, students talk about how they can help more of their…
Continue ReadingTeams from George Washington High School and Sherman High School advance in final WV Academic Showdown regional competition at West Virginia State University
INSTITUTE, WV – Teams from George Washington High School and Sherman High School took first and second place honors (respectively) at the final West Virginia Academic Showdown regional competition, which was hosted today by West Virginia State University. These teams have qualified for the statewide championship in Charleston on March 25. Nine teams from Charleston Catholic High School, George Washington High School, Nitro High School, Riverside High School, Sherman High School and South Charleston High School competed today. “I’m very grateful that George Washington has been able to maintain a quiz bowl team for four years. I’m happy with the performance of this…
Continue ReadingPromise Scholarship eligibility requirements adjusted for high school graduating classes of 2022 and 2023
CHARLESTON, WV – To help more students qualify for the West Virginia Promise Scholarship, the state’s Higher Education Policy Commission has approved temporary changes to the merit-based scholarship program for the high school graduating classes of 2022 and 2023. These adjustments come as students continue working academically to overcome challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. For students in the high school graduating classes of 2022 and 2023, the test score requirements to qualify for Promise are as follows: ACT composite score – 21 (regularly 22); ACT English score – 19 (regularly 20); ACT Reading score – 19 (regularly 20); ACT…
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