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New 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…
Continue ReadingGovernor Tomblin, Congressional delegation announce $20 million scientific research grant
State has received more than $60 million in EPSCoR funding since 2001 CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin, U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Shelley Moore Capito, along with Representatives David McKinley, Alex Mooney and Evan Jenkins, today announced the National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded a highly-competitive $20 million grant to West Virginia’s Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) to boost academic scientific research and upgrade infrastructure at West Virginia University (WVU), Marshall University (MU), West Virginia State University (WVSU) and other state institutions. EPSCoR is facilitated by the state Higher Education Policy Commission’s Division of Science and…
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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…
Continue ReadingWest Virginia hosts U.S. State Department seminar on international education and safety
Charleston, W.Va. – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission today hosted a national conference sponsored by the U.S. Department of State’s Overseas Security Advisory Council focused on international education and safety. Nearly 120 attendees representing more than 60 higher education institutions and organizations nationwide discussed issues related to the health and security of college students, faculty and higher education staff traveling abroad. This event comes as the Commission works to increase the number of West Virginia students going abroad through the statewide “Global West Virginia” initiative. The Commission encourages student participation in International Student Exchange Programs (ISEP), which provide…
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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 ReadingW.Va. higher education community joins forces to address campus safety
Charleston, W.Va. – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) today hosted a statewide Campus Safety Summit focusing on some of higher education’s most challenging issues. More than 140 representatives of the state’s public four- and two- year colleges and universities, along with independent institutions, gathered to discuss awareness, prevention and response surrounding suicide, sexual violence and communicable diseases. “These individuals are on the frontlines at colleges and universities across West Virginia working to not only educate and inspire students – but also to protect those students and everyone on our campuses,” said Governor Earl Ray Tomblin. “These subject…
Continue ReadingHigher Education Policy Commission chair calls for focus on college completion following tuition vote
Charleston, W.Va. – Dr. Bruce Berry, chair of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, today released the following statement after the Commission voted 5-2 to approve in-state student tuition increase requests from West Virginia University (9.7 percent) and Potomac State College of WVU (8.1 percent), while voting 6-1 for an in-state student tuition increase request from West Virginia State University (7 percent) for the 2015-16 academic year: “Affordability remains one of the biggest challenges facing West Virginia’s higher education community. As our state’s public network of colleges and universities, the responsibility lies with us to ensure West Virginians have…
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 ReadingW.Va. Higher Education Policy Commission adopts reverse transfer policy aimed at advancing degree completion
Shepherdstown, W.Va. – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) today voted unanimously to approve a reverse transfer policy that facilitates degree completion. The procedural rule allows students who have transferred from a community college to a four-year institution, prior to receiving their associate degree, to be awarded an associate degree from the two-year college after earning enough credits while pursuing a bachelor’s degree. “One of the biggest challenges facing higher education today is ensuring more students are earning their degree credentials,” said Paul Hill, the Commission’s Chancellor. “This policy represents a strong step in our multifaceted approach to…
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 ReadingWBOY: Student Leadership Conference Comes to Jackson’s Mill
College students from around the state gathered at Jackson’s Mill this week for the West Virginia Student Leadership Conference. The annual event brings together leaders from public campuses to discuss their experiences in leadership and find ways to improve those skills for their campus and themselves. “After seeing a lot of the changes that could be made on our campus and seeing all the potential that could come from West Virginia State University’s campus, I thought it would be a great opportunity to come here and see what I could do as a leader and as an emerging leader to…
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…
Continue ReadingCollege students working together to promote student leadership on campus
Annual West Virginia Student Leadership Conference to be held Monday, May 18 through Wednesday, May 2 Weston, W.Va. – College students from across West Virginia are meeting at Jackson’s Mill next week to learn new ways to strengthen their campus communities. More than 75 student representatives from West Virginia’s two-year and four-year colleges and universities will participate in the annual West Virginia Student Leadership Conference to be held Monday, May 18 through Wednesday, May 20. The conference is sponsored by the West Virginia Community and Technical College System (WVCTCS), the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) and Shepherd University.…
Continue Reading‘College Decision Day’ events to celebrate college bound seniors across West Virginia
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Twelve West Virginia high schools will participate in West Virginia’s first statewide “College Decision Day” campaign to recognize high school seniors who plan to pursue some type of education or training beyond high school. College Decision Day is organized by the College Foundation of West Virginia (CFWV), an initiative coordinated by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission to help students go to college and succeed. “College Decision Day is inspired by sports events, such as the NCAA national signing day and the NFL draft,” Dr. Adam S. Green, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at the Commission, said. “We…
Continue ReadingWest Virginia colleges working together to support students with disabilities
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Representatives from West Virginia’s public colleges and universities met in South Charleston today to discuss strategies to support students with disabilities. The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) and West Virginia Community and Technical College System (WVCTCS) hosted a one-day workshop focusing on policies, communications practices and environmental and learning resources to encourage a campus-wide culture that supports diversity and accessibility. “Ensuring access for all students is critical to fulfilling our mission of providing high-quality education and training programs to meet the needs of West Virginia’s communities,” James Skidmore, Chancellor of the WVCTCS, said. “Compliance…
Continue ReadingApril 15 financial aid deadline fast approaching for W.Va. students
Charleston, W.Va. – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) today reminded high school seniors, college students and others planning to attend a West Virginia higher education institution this fall that April 15, 2015 is the deadline for submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for the state’s Higher Education Grant. “The Higher Education Grant is West Virginia’s largest need-based financial aid program,” said Paul Hill, the Commission’s Chancellor. “Each year, it places college within reach for thousands of West Virginia students who have a demonstrated financial need. With the deadline quickly approaching for…
Continue ReadingConcord University to host “GEAR UP Kickoff” for area seventh graders on April 2
More than 450 seventh graders will have the opportunity to learn about life on a college campus during Concord University’s “GEAR UP” Kickoff event to be held April 2 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. GEAR UP stands for “Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs.” The project, which is coordinated by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission), helps students in ten West Virginia counties prepare to enter and succeed in higher education and skillset training programs. Students from Collins Middle School and Meadow Bridge High School in Fayette County; Montcalm High School in Mercer County; Gilbert…
Continue ReadingHealth Sciences Service Program makes awards to health profession students committed to practicing in West Virginia
Charleston, W.Va. – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) announced today that 14 outstanding health profession master/doctoral students from across the state are the newest recipients of Health Sciences Service Program awards, which are granted to students committed to practicing for at least two years in an underserved area of West Virginia. “This program is a win-win for our students and our state,” said Paul Hill, the Commission’s Chancellor. “This year’s remarkable student recipients represent the next generation of health professionals who will fill the critical role of serving in West Virginia’s high-need areas.” The Health Sciences Service…
Continue ReadingWest Virginia Network partners with URcast to expand access to learning content for K-12 students
-Program gives students access to lessons in or outside the classroom without Internet connection- Charleston, W.Va. – The West Virginia Network (WVNET), a branch of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, has partnered with URcast to provide K-12 students in classrooms across West Virginia access to learning content without an Internet connection. URcast, a content distribution application customized for the K-12 classroom, provides caching services that allow students to view content without an Internet connection wherever they have a computer, tablet or smart phone. This is made possible by reallocating bandwidth and placing a caching server within the school.…
Continue ReadingGovernor Earl Ray Tomblin: Unlocking the door to a college education
High school seniors have the world at their fingertips – and a lot on their plates. Planning for the future can be overwhelming. Choosing what’s next after graduation is one of the biggest decisions they’ll face, but if that decision includes a college education then the first step is clear: Complete the FAFSA. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the key to accessing both federal and state financial aid programs. Here in West Virginia, our goal is to get 55 percent of high school seniors to complete a FAFSA by April 15. Currently, only 19 percent of seniors…
Continue ReadingCanceled: February 22 College Goal Sunday workshops
Due to snow and poor road conditions, the College Goal Sunday workshops scheduled for February 22 at the Erma Byrd Center in Beckley and the New River Community and Technical College campus in Lewisburg have been canceled. Students and families may receive free assistance with completing the FAFSA by calling West Virginia’s free financial aid hotline at 888-825-5707. The hotline is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Other hours are available by appointment.
Continue ReadingDeadline approaching for PROMISE Scholarship applications
Charleston, W.Va. – High school seniors in the class of 2015 planning to apply for West Virginia’s PROMISE Scholarship program have until March 1 to complete the required forms, the state’s Higher Education Policy Commission office reminded students and families today. Through PROMISE, qualifying high school graduates receive annual awards of up to $4,750 to cover the cost of tuition and mandatory fees at eligible West Virginia higher education institutions. “Since the PROMISE program started, more than $400 million has been provided to more than 35,000 West Virginia students from all 55 counties to attend a public or independent college…
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Chancellor Hill: International view essential for higher education and economic growth
This commentary appeared in the May 3, 2015 edition of the Charleston Gazette. West Virginia’s economy is becoming increasingly more global. Companies from Europe, Asia and other regions have made strong, smart investments in our state. In fact, investments from 30 countries have resulted in more than 26,000 jobs in West Virginia. And in 2013, our state’s exports reached historic levels – with a total of more than $8.6 billion in products exported and tens of thousands of jobs supported. As a result of these remarkable developments, West Virginians need to be ready for the opportunities that exist in our…
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