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Jessica Tice
304-558-0699
jessica.tice@wvhepc.edu
Report: More Mountain State students pursuing higher education
Braxton, Doddridge and Clay counties lead the way in improving college-going rates Charleston, W.Va. – More West Virginia high school graduates went on to pursue higher education last year, according to a report released today by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) and West Virginia Community and Technical College System (CTCS). The college-going rate increased for the second consecutive year, inching up by 0.3 percent — or 266 students — from 2015 to 2016. “These gains, while subtle, represent a solid step in the right direction,” Dr. Paul Hill, HEPC Chancellor, said. “For several years, the impact of…
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May 1 deadline approaching for West Virginia Higher Education Grant Program applications
Charleston, W.Va. – The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) and Community and Technical College System (CTCS) today reminded students that May 1 is the deadline to apply for the Higher Education Grant Program (HEGP), the state’s need-based financial aid program. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is the only application required to be considered for the grant, can be completed at https://fafsa.ed.gov. “We always encourage students to complete the FAFSA to see if they are eligible for this grant program, which helps cover the cost of tuition and fees at two- and four-year colleges and…
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High schools across West Virginia to participate in ‘College Decision Day’ events
Schools to celebrate students’ commitment to pursuing higher education CHARLESTON, W.Va. – High schools across West Virginia are hosting celebrations to honor seniors who plan to enroll in college or training programs after graduation. More than 40 schools will participate in the College Foundation of West Virginia’s (CFWV)’s fourth annual College Decision Day campaign. CFWV is a statewide college readiness initiative coordinated by the Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) and Community and Technical College System (CTCS). “Growing our economy will depend on growing the skills and capacity of our workforce,” Dr. Sarah Tucker, Chancellor of the CTCS, said. “Students who commit to pursuing higher…
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West Virginia ‘GEAR UP’ to host Career Academy
More than 1,000 students expected to attend event featuring U.S. Senators, industry leaders, STEM celebrities CHARLESTON, W.VA. — More than 1,000 ninth graders are visiting Charleston this week to explore career fields and gain insight from business and industry leaders. The West Virginia GEAR UP Career Academy, happening Thursday, April 13, at the Charleston Civic Center, will feature hands-on activities and interactive presentations to help students learn about career paths and plan for their futures. The West Virginia GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) initiative is a federally funded grant program administered by the state’s Higher Education Policy…
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State extends application deadline for Higher Education Grant Program until May 1
CHARLESTON, W.VA. — West Virginia’s Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) and Community and Technical College System (CTCS) today announced that this year’s application deadline for the need-based Higher Education Grant Program has been extended until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 1, 2017. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is the only application required for the grant, can be completed at https://fafsa.ed.gov. The state extended the deadline because of a technology issue at the federal level. Last month, the U.S. Department of Education and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced an outage of the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, which allows…
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West Virginia GEAR UP launches Student Success Society in area high schools
New program to promote student involvement in school and the community CHARLESTON, W.VA. — Brenda Smith, a counselor at Westside High School in Wyoming County, has been working with students for more than 30 years. Her experience has taught her that when students feel like they are part of something bigger, they are far more likely to succeed. “Especially those students who might otherwise fade into the background,” Smith said. “Maybe they are shy or a little unmotivated. If you can find a way to give them that nudge — to get them involved — you can make…
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The Chronicle of Higher Education: Ikie’s College Dream
How grit, determination, and community support helped one West Virginia student in a dying town that is struggling to come to terms with a coal bust and opioid addiction By Julia Schmalz See the full-size video here The empty coal train creaking its way through Madison, W.Va., captured the attention of residents on the streets of the once-prosperous community. Located in Boone County, the heart of coal country, townspeople hoped it was a sign that a coal mine was reopening — somewhere. Devastated by the opioid epidemic and loss of good-paying jobs, Madison once supported three department stores. But that…
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Higher ed ‘Report Card’: State colleges retaining, graduating more students
Statewide initiatives generating results despite budget challenges CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia’s state colleges and universities are retaining more students and have generated record numbers of graduates in recent years, thanks to statewide efforts to improve student success. However, continued positive results could be hindered by budget challenges and increased tuition costs, state higher education officials told members of Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability (LOCEA) today. During the meeting, representatives from the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) and West Virginia Community and Technical College System (CTCS) provided an overview of findings from the annual West Virginia Higher…
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MetroNews: New FAFSA goal set for West Virginia high school seniors
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — By April 15, those with the College Foundation of West Virginia want to see the number of 12th graders in the Mountain State completing the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, climb to 60 percent. “We know that the jobs of the state of West Virginia are changing,” said Dr. Paul Hill, chancellor for the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, noting that 50 percent of the jobs being created within the state require some for of post-secondary education. “Because our state economy is being driven increasingly more by those who have attained post-secondary education,…
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Education leaders launch new “Make Cents WV” partnership to tackle financial literacy
Charleston, W.Va. – Education leaders across the state are joining forces to help students improve their financial skills. Earlier today, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (Commission) and The Education Alliance unveiled a new initiative, “Make Cents WV,” to provide financial literacy tools and resources to students, families and educators. The effort, which is led by The Education Alliance and funded by a grant from the Commission’s federal West Virginia GEAR UP program, will emphasize financial planning within the context of preparing for higher education programs. “Postsecondary education represents a major investment,” Dr. Paul Hill, Chancellor of the Commission, said. “This effort is…
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College Foundation of West Virginia sets goal to increase FAFSA completion rates to 60 percent
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The College Foundation of West Virginia (CFWV) today announced a goal to increase the number of 12th graders who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or “FAFSA,” to 60 percent by April 15. Students planning to attend college during the 2017-18 academic year can complete the FAFSA online now at www.fafsa.gov using their 2015 tax returns. April 15 is the deadline for students to submit the form and be considered for the West Virginia Higher Education Grant Program, which provides grants to students based on their financial need. This past year (as of November 18), 58.5%…
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W.Va. sees gains in college freshmen enrollment
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The number of students entering a four-year college is on the rise in West Virginia, according to information reported during a meeting of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission held earlier today. State officials said the number of freshmen on West Virginia’s public four-year college campuses increased by 3.7 percent from last year. “These increases are reflective of the strong emphasis the Commission and its partners have placed on college access and success,” Paul Hill, Chancellor of the Commission said. “West Virginia needs more college graduates to meet workforce demands and grow our economy. I…
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W.Va. colleges supporting student veterans through ‘5 Star Challenge’
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – State officials are applauding West Virginia’s public colleges and universities for stepping up their efforts to support student veterans. During a meeting of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission earlier today, Dr. Paul Hill, Chancellor of the Commission, reported that all of the state’s public higher education institutions have met or exceeded the goals set forth by West Virginia’s 5 Star Challenge initiative. Launched last year by the Commission’s Office of Veterans Education and Training, the 5 Star Challenge set forth a call to action to institutions to improve educational opportunities for veterans, military service…
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Exponent Telegram: Students prepare for college during exploration and application week
CLARKSBURG — College Exploration and Application Week is a statewide initiative that provides students the opportunity to learn more about postsecondary options. While not all schools in Harrison County participated, offering guidance to students is a No. 1 concern for junior and senior guidance counselors during this time of year. The effort started in 2010 when the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission found that students had confusion about financial aid and college applications and tended to complete them later in the year, according to Jessica Kennedy, director of communications and outreach. “We wanted to make it a priority for…
Continue ReadingGovernor Tomblin proclaims “College Application and Exploration Week”
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (October 31, 2016) – Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin has proclaimed this week as “College Application and Exploration Week” in recognition of the statewide campaign organized by the College Foundation of West Virginia (CFWV). Staff from nearly 450 schools will host college-planning activities throughout the week to help students consider their postsecondary education opportunities. Students who attend participating schools – from pre-schools to centers for adult learners – will learn the importance of pursuing some form of education or training beyond high school and the types of opportunities that are available in West Virginia, including certificate and technical programs,…
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Gazette-Mail: Mascots dance off during college-going event
More than 1,500 ninth grade students participating in the West Virginia GEAR UP program packed into the Clay Center for the Arts for the student leadership academy. The program is a college readiness project coordinated by the state Higher Education Policy Commission and funded by the federal government. It serves students in 10 counties including Fayette, Boone, Mason, Mercer, Mingo, Nicholas, Summers, Webster, Wyoming and Wirt. Wednesday’s event featured speakers including Josh Shipp, a nationally renowned youth leadership coach, Paul Hill, chancellor of the state Higher Education Policy Commission, and Sarah Tucker, chancellor of the state Community and Technical College…
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1,500 students to attend ‘GEAR UP’ student leadership academy in Charleston
For planning purposes: When: Wednesday, October 26 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. What: A leadership academy to inform students of college options and empower them to take charge of their futures. West Virginia GEAR UP will host a leadership academy featuring a presentation from Josh Shipp, a nationally renowned youth leadership coach. Additionally, college mascots from across West Virginia will present dance routines incorporating college information during a “Mascot Mania” dance-off contest. Agenda: 10 AM: Opening remarks featuring Dr. Paul Hill, Chancellor of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, and Dr. Sarah Tucker, Chancellor of the West Virginia Community…
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College Foundation of West Virginia to host “FAFSA Friday” events during Kanawha County high school football games
For planning purposes: October 6, 2016 Contact: Jessica Kennedy, Director of Communications and Outreach West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (304) 558-0655 jessica.kennedy@wvhepc.edu College Foundation of West Virginia to host “FAFSA Friday” events during Kanawha County high school football games When: Friday, October 7 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Where: Herbert Hoover High School Football Stadium 5856 Elk River Rd. S. Clendenin, WV 25045 – and – South Charleston High School Football Stadium 1 Eagle Way South Charleston, WV 25309 Who/What: The College Foundation of West Virginia (CFWV) and Kanawha County Schools (KCS) will host “FAFSA Friday” events during…
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Kendyl Ryan: Push aside fear and pursue your dreams
Originally published in the Charleston Gazette-Mail, Daily Mail editorial page. Earlier this week, Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin joined leaders across the nation in proclaiming this week “National GEAR UP Week,” highlighting the importance of going to college and encouraging students to pursue their dreams. It’s common knowledge that a high school education simply doesn’t cut it anymore. Going into an interview with a college degree gives the candidate an automatic edge over a candidate with a high school diploma. This is particularly true in West Virginia. According to statistics provided by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, half of…
Continue ReadingGovernor Tomblin declares ‘GEAR UP Week’ in recognition of college readiness program
West Virginia GEAR UP helps thousands of students gain education and training beyond high school CHARLESTON, W.Va. (Sept. 19, 2016) – Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin today proclaimed this week as “GEAR UP Week” to recognize the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) initiative, a program funded by the United States Department of Education to help students pursue and achieve some form of education or training beyond high school. This week has been declared “National GEAR UP Week” by program partners across the country. “GEAR UP is an exemplary program that has had a proven, positive impact…
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WV Public Broadcasting: Texting: Is it the key to a better college transition?
By Liz McCormick We use text messaging for a variety of things; to chat with family and friends, to check-in with a coworker, or send a photo, but what about for academics? The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission has been a pioneer in helping to develop a national text message counseling program that helps first-time college students transition more easily into college life. This year, that program goes statewide. Read the full story »
Continue ReadingWest Virginia Center for Nursing awards $225,000 in scholarships
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Center for Nursing announced today that 76 students will receive funds totaling $225,000 as part of the Nursing Scholarship Program. The program, which is administered by the West Virginia Center for Nursing in conjunction with the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, helps licensed practical, registered, masters and doctoral nursing students pursue their degrees. April Shapiro, who received a $10,000 award for the fall and spring semesters, plans to use her scholarship in order to finish her Ph.D. in nursing at West Virginia University. She will continue to teach nursing in West Virginia in order to…
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Higher Education Policy Commission offers guidance on student loan borrowing
Eight tips for financing higher education CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Students across West Virginia are busy checking off a long to-do list as they head off to college: purchasing text books, outfitting dorm rooms, making last-minute schedule changes and, for many, finding the resources to pay for it all. Student loans can help close funding gaps between college savings, scholarships and grants, but financial aid administrators from the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission are advising students and families to think carefully in making borrowing decisions. “Without a doubt, choosing to pursue education and training beyond high school is a sound…
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West Virginia students ‘GEAR UP’ for college during summer academy at West Virginia State University
INSTITUTE, W.Va. – This summer, students had the chance to experience life on a college campus during GEAR UP U, a college preparation academy held June 22-25 at West Virginia State University. More than 130 students from central and southern West Virginia attended the event, which was hosted by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission’s federally funded “Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP)” initiative. GEAR UP offers free services in ten counties to help more students enroll and succeed in higher education and advanced training programs. Students took classes taught by college professors, participated in leadership workshops and gained…
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Governor Tomblin: College Application and Exploration Week: West Virginians explore postsecondary options
(November 4, 2016) – Today marks the close of West Virginia’s seventh annual “College Application and Exploration Week,” a statewide initiative to help our students evaluate their options to pursue higher education. Students at nearly 450 schools across the state, from preschools to adult learning centers, participated in events that allowed them to begin thinking about and preparing for college. Throughout this week, students worked to discover the type of college best suited for them. Whether a student chooses a community and technical college, a university, a trade school, or military service, what’s most important is that they strive to achieve…
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