West Virginia awarded $9 million to expand college and career pathways for students statewide
ACE WV initiative will provide 3,600 students annually with individualized college, career and academic support
The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission has been awarded $9 million over five years through the U.S. Department of Education’s Talent Search Program to launch Advancing College Education in West Virginia (ACE WV), a statewide initiative designed to help more West Virginia students successfully complete high school and pursue education and training beyond graduation.
ACE WV will serve 3,600 students each year, with a particular focus on low-income students and those who would be the first in their families to attend college. Beginning as early as sixth grade, students will receive sustained, individualized support to help them remain on track academically, explore college and career options, navigate admissions and financial aid, and successfully transition into postsecondary education or workforce training. At least two-thirds of program participants will be both low-income and prospective first-generation college students.
“We are extremely grateful for this continued investment into West Virginia students and in the future of our state,” said Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker, Chancellor of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. “As our office continues its work to increase our statewide college-going rate, this grant will be a key piece of our strategy. ACE WV allows us to put additional support directly into communities across the state, beginning years before a student graduates from high school. We want every West Virginia student to know that college, a credential or another high-quality pathway is within reach. We thank our state and federal leaders for their support. We are ready to get to work.”
Through ACE WV, students will have access to high-impact tutoring, academic and course advising, college entrance exam preparation, college application and FAFSA assistance, financial literacy education, career exploration, campus visits, dual enrollment guidance and family workshops. The initiative will also provide targeted assistance for students facing additional barriers to educational success, including students experiencing homelessness, students in foster or kinship care and students who have become disconnected from school.
“Investing in our West Virginia students’ futures is critically important,” Senator Shelley Moore Capito said. “That is why I was proud to help secure this funding for the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission through my role on the Labor-HHS Appropriations Subcommittee. The ACE WV program will not only open opportunities for students to succeed, but it will invest in their futures, allowing them to help build a stronger West Virginia for generations to come.”
“When our high school graduates look toward what’s next, they should see endless possibilities right here in their own backyard. This $9 million initiative puts real resources behind our students so they can map out a path that works for them—from hands-on trade programs to university classrooms and rewarding local jobs. We are showing our young people that West Virginia is a place where they can grow, succeed, and build a great life,” said Senator Jim Justice.
ACE WV will also connect older students with information about career pathways, including pre-apprenticeships, Registered Apprenticeship Programs and opportunities to earn industry-recognized credentials.
“We’re bringing new jobs and investment into West Virginia at a historic pace, and we need to make sure our young people are prepared to take advantage of those opportunities,” said Governor Morrisey. “This investment will open doors for thousands of students who haven’t had access to these services before, helping them build successful careers and futures right here in West Virginia.”
The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission will lead the statewide initiative in partnership with Fairmont State University, Shepherd University, Bluefield State University, West Liberty University, West Virginia State University and Concord University. Together, the institutions will work with middle and high schools across 20 counties, creating a coordinated network of college and career support in communities throughout the state.
A central component of ACE WV will be a high-touch advising model that places trained advisors in close partnership with participating schools. Advisors will work directly with students and families throughout middle and high school, helping students develop individualized academic, career and postsecondary plans while identifying challenges early enough to intervene.
The initiative will also develop ACE Wallets, digital learning and employment records that students can begin building as early as sixth grade. These records are designed to grow with students by documenting academic achievements, skills, competencies, credentials and other milestones that can ultimately support applications for college and employment.
“West Virginia has some of the hardest-working and most talented people in America, and we’re creating new opportunities for them to succeed,” Governor Morrisey said. “I want our kids to have every opportunity to earn a great living without having to leave the state they call home. That’s how we strengthen our workforce, make life more affordable and build a stronger West Virginia.”
ACE WV will operate through partnerships serving schools in Barbour, Berkeley, Brooke, Hampshire, Hancock, Harrison, Jefferson, Kanawha, Lewis, Marion, Marshall, McDowell, Mercer, Monroe, Morgan, Ohio, Raleigh, Summers, Taylor and Upshur counties.