WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $5,231,463 from the U.S. Department of Education for West Virginia’s, colleges, universities, community colleges, and technical schools, aiming to improve retention rates and student experiences in underserved areas.

“West Virginia’s postsecondary education institutions, whether it be a technical school, university, or college, provide students with the foundation to succeed in a variety of careers,” Senator Capito said. “It’s important we continue evaluate the effectiveness of our education programs and constantly look for ways to keep students on track to earn their degree. The investments announced today are welcome news for West Virginia because it will help those enrolled in postsecondary programs prepare for and succeed in whatever path they choose, especially in the areas of our state that need it most.”

“Every West Virginian should have the opportunity to pursue higher education, regardless of their background or where they live. I am pleased the U.S. Department of Education is investing in four West Virginia educational institutions and the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission to expand their ability to serve West Virginia students, including college readiness services for students in rural communities. This is great news for our students who are considering or already pursuing higher education, and I’ll continue to support these efforts to prepare our future workforce to compete for good-paying jobs here in the Mountain State,” Senator Manchin said.

“This is absolutely tremendous news for some of West Virginia's most deserving and rural communities. This is our state’s fourth GEAR UP grant, and I’m really proud of our team and partners for their hard work in securing it,” Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker, West Virginia’s Chancellor of Higher Education said. “Through GEAR UP, we’ve been able to provide nearly 840,000 hours of help to students, parents and teachers in the college-going process. Now, we can continue this work for thousands of new students over the next seven years. I want to thank Senators Manchin and Capito for their incredible support to keep this federal program strong, as well as Governor Justice for his leadership as we continue helping our young people reach their college and career dreams.”

Individual awards listed below:

  • $3,500,000 – West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission: Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (WV GEAR UP State)
    • The program will serve students through a hybrid model that includes 17,595 cohort and priority students in 50 of West Virginia’s neediest schools located in small rural communities across the state. WVGU is housed within the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, identified as the applicant agency, to provide services to students attending Boone, Clay, Lincoln, Logan, Mason, Mingo, Nicholas, Roane, Wayne, Webster, and Wirt school districts
  • $450,000 – Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College: Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP)
    • The project will undertake a comprehensive approach to improving student retention and graduation at Easter West Virginia Community and Technical College through redesigned advising model, enhanced career services, expanded instructional innovation, improved data analysis, and improved student systems and services.
  •  $450,000 – West Virginia Northern Community College: Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP)
    • The project will provide ongoing professional development for faculty and expand online courses and short-term credentials, improve student retention through success coaching, support a growing culture of data-informed decision-making, and expand participation in work-based learning experiences.
  •  $433,000 – Potomac State College (PSC) of West Virginia University: Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP)
    • The project will strengthen Potomac State College by increasing student engagement and persistence through investing in course evaluation and redesign, academic advising, career services, diversity programming, and endowment funds.
  •  $398,463 – Glenville State College: Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP)
    • The project will create a virtual one-stop shop for student services, increase coordination among offices, increase mental health services, increase resources for wrap around support, advance platforms designed to enhance student connections, engagement, tutoring, advising, and scheduling, enhance technology systems, and complete infrastructure renovations and preservation of student spaces.

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