WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today announced that three West Virginia organizations, the Consortium for Entrepreneurial Education in Charleston, the West Virginia High Technology Consortium Foundation in Fairmont, and the Jobs for West Virginia’s Graduates program in Cabell, Wayne and Wyoming Counties, will receive $100,000, $125,000 and $130,000 respectively from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for programs fostering entrepreneurial growth, education and workforce development.

“In order to grow jobs and opportunities in West Virginia, we must create an environment where entrepreneurship and innovation can thrive and our workforce is strong. This means investing in programs and resources that will help propel new businesses and instill America’s entrepreneurial spirit in our students,” said Senator Capito. “By supporting emerging technology firms, implementing entrepreneurial education in our schools and better preparing students for the workforce, these grants fund the type of programs we need to move our state’s economy forward.” 

“We must continue to invest in educational programs, business development and entrepreneurship because our state’s long-term economic success truly rests in the hands of an educated and skilled workforce,” Senator Manchin said. “These important investments will ensure that our students and business leaders have access to programs that foster innovation and will lead to job creation, economic growth and a stronger Appalachia.”

 

Program details:

 

  • The Consortium for Entrepreneurial Education will receive $100,000 from ARC for the Entrepreneurial Schools Initiative, which will encourage and help implement entrepreneurship curriculum and activities in public schools. More than 5,600 West Virginia students are expected to become involved in entrepreneurship activities through the program. In addition to the ARC funds, local sources will provide an additional $25,000 for the program.

 

  • The West Virginia High Technology Consortium Foundation will receive $125,000 from ARC for the INNOVA Technical Assistance and Early Stage Investment Program to expand its technical assistance services, provide greater support to growing entrepreneurial technology firms and make investments in emerging entrepreneurial companies. In addition to the ARC funds, local sources will provide an additional $125,000 for the program.

 

  • The Jobs for West Virginia’s Graduates program in Cabell, Wayne and Wyoming Counties will receive $130,000 from ARC to deliver employer-driven youth development programming at participating high schools. Students in the program will receive training, mentoring, job shadowing and internships opportunities at local businesses, and learn job seeking skills, self-esteem development, job survival and more. Participants receive 12 months of job placement and workplace support following graduation. In addition to the ARC funds, local sources will provide an additional $219,500 for the program.

 

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