Welcome to the WVCC project website. Here, you will find information about this project, examples of our success, ways to engage with us in support of the project, and much more. This project is a result of the funding of an Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) grant called: “Building Connections to Grow Capacity: Breaking Down Regional Barriers in the STEM Workforce Pipeline”.
Our Mission
To develop the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) workforce in the service region of Fairmont State University (FSU) and Glenville State University (GSU)by connecting industry, academics, educators, students, and other job-seekers, and workforce entities through a Regional Career Services and Workforce Development Collaborative.
Our Goals
Our success is measured through our students, educators, job seekers, and industry in West Virginia.
Project Objective 1:
Bring industry representatives, regional schools, and colleges together with job seekers to build strategic relationships and collaboratively carry out activities to improve the STEM pipeline:
• Experiential Learning — job shadows, micro internships, field trips, etc.
• Industry Advisory Boards — to build relationships with schools and colleges
• Building Connections – between K-12, higher ed, and industry throughout the region
• Curriculum Refinement — work with industry to refine curricula to meet their needs
Project Objective 2:
Improve awareness of, and preparedness for, STEM careers in middle and high school students, college students, and other job seekers.
• Improve Career Awareness — create virtual job shadow experiences of STEM careers
• Job-seeker Development — provide students, current employees, and job seekers with industry desired skills (work readiness, math, etc.)
• Professional Development for Educators — industry-focused learning opportunities