Grant Opportunities

Division of Student Affairs Grants

First-Generation Student Success Grant

  • West Virginia public two-and four-year colleges and universities, or research corporations thereof, may apply for First-Generation Student Success Grants to sponsor comprehensive projects which must meaningfully encompass each of the following categories:
    •  Implementation of extraordinary campus-based programmatic initiatives, events, services, or supports designed to address the unique needs of First-Generation college students and bridge gaps in resources, thereby promoting positive educational outcomes for First-Generation college students;
    • Implementation of events, initiatives, or services committed to supporting recruitment and/or retention of First-Generation students on college campuses within West Virginia;
    • Development or enhancement of research, evaluation, assessment and data collection strategies and practices for the purpose of improving institutional First-Generation initiatives and/or increasing institutional buy-in.
  • Application deadline for FY26 has passed; Check back in Spring 2026 for FY27 RFP information

First Year Campus Engagement Grant

West Virginia public two-and four-year colleges and universities, or research corporations thereof, may apply for First Year Campus Engagement Grants to sponsor comprehensive projects which aim to ease the transition to university life and foster a sense of belonging for students new to the institution.  These programs often combine academic support with social and personal development opportunities.  Key components may include orientation programs, first year seminars, mentoring, and opportunities to connect with the broader campus community.  The targeted outcomes of this First Year Campus Engagement program should include increased student retention, improved academic performance, enhanced sense of belonging, greater student success, and positive impact on student well-being.

West Virginia public two-and four-year colleges and universities, or research corporations thereof, may apply for First Year Campus Engagement Grants to sponsor comprehensive projects which must meaningfully encompass each of the following categories:

  • Implementation of extraordinary campus-based initiatives, events, services, or supports designed to address the unique challenges that students, new to your institution, face upon their first year of enrollment;
  • Implementation of events, initiatives, or services committed to supporting student engagement and involvement across the campus community;
  • Implementation of events, initiatives, or services aimed at increasing academic achievement and retention for first year students;
  • Development or enhancement of research, evaluation, assessment and data collection strategies and practices for the purpose of measuring outcomes for first year students who participated in grant programming.
  • Maximum single award amount: $25,000
  • Application deadline has passed
  • View details on RFP
  • Required budget sheet to be included with proposal submission

Division of Health Sciences

Maternal Mental Health Grant- Round 2

Applications and agreements submitted under this opportunity will meet the following goals: 

  • Increase knowledge of health science and medical students on the topic of perinatal/maternal mental health.
  • Create and expand curriculum to increase student skills in the delivery of health services to the pregnant and postpartum population and better understand the behavioral health of the pregnant, postpartum, perinatal population.
  • Provide internship stipends to incentivize student placements in maternal health, wellness, and mental health field experiences.
  • Offer training required for students to qualify for the Perinatal Mental Health Certification available through Postpartum Support International (or an equivalent nationally recognized certification) to increase the marketability of graduates and help fill critical shortages in West Virginia.
  • Offer guest lectures from Postpartum Support International-West Virginia Chapter within current courses. Guest lectures have already been developed, and health science health programs can identify specific lectures to include in academic programming. The Commission will provide information and connect with the PSI- WV Chapter.
  • View Details on the RFA
  • Application deadline: Tuesday, September 30, 2025, by 5:00 p.m.

If you have any questions please contact Candace Layne, Behavioral Health Program Specialist at candace.layne@wvhepc.edu