CHARLESTON — West Virginia’s community and technical college system has secured a $15 million federal Educational Opportunity Centers grant to expand access to higher education and career training statewide, Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced Sept. 18. The award will provide $3 million annually for five years and is described by state officials as the largest EOC grant in the nation. The program will operate across all 55 counties through the West Virginia READY Educational Opportunity Centers initiative, according to a statement released from the governor’s office.
“This historic $15 million investment marks a transformative milestone for West Virginia’s workforce and economy,” Morrisey said. “By connecting our residents directly to career training, industry-recognized credentials, and higher education, we are removing barriers to employment and strengthening our state’s talent pipeline.”
The initiative brings together all nine of the state’s community and technical colleges and will serve adults 19 and older, out-of-school youth, veterans, low-income residents and first-generation students.
WV READY EOC will provide assistance with college admissions, high school diploma and equivalency completion, financial literacy, FAFSA applications, pre-apprenticeships and registered apprenticeship programs.
“At the end of the day, this is an investment in our people and our communities,” said Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker, chancellor of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and Community and Technical College System. “Through this grant, thousands of West Virginians will have access to the support and guidance they need to overcome obstacles and reach their goals.”
The program aims for a 65% FAFSA completion rate and a 55% rate of postsecondary or apprenticeship enrollment among participants.
