program , through which we coordinate talent recruitment to match an employer ’ s needs . The program gives employers the opportunity to play an essential role in supporting young talent in West Virginia and a chance to potentially add this person to their team long-term . In fact , over half of employers end up hiring their Impact Fellow after the fellowship year .”
Generation West Virginia also offers NewForce , a sixmonth , full-time , tuition-free coding school that is available fully online so students can participate across the state . It is a partnership with the West Virginia Community and Technical College System and Mountwest Community and Technical College .
“ We train people with no prior coding experience , prepare them for their first job in technology and connect them with open , entry-level software development jobs here in the Mountain State ,” Weld says . “ We train people from all different backgrounds — teachers , fast food workers , house painters and accountants . Our graduates make a median salary of $ 45,000 right out of our program . We have maintained an 86 % job placement rate within six months of graduation , and 100 % of our graduates work for software companies in West Virginia .”
Since the program launched in 2019 , 56 students have completed it . However , attracting and retaining young people is not just about jobs , according to Weld .
“ We know too many young people feel like they don ’ t belong in West Virginia or they can ’ t find the community they want to live in ,” she says . “
That ’ s where the Local Generations Network comes in . Through it , members help young people find a sense of belonging in their communities and make space for them to lead West Virginia toward a future where young people can thrive . Volunteers run these local groups and help young people find housing and other resources , learn about job opportunities and get connected in the area .
Meanwhile , there are foundational barriers that must be addressed as well , the most prominent being broadband infrastructure .
“ There are more opportunities than ever to leverage federal resources to bring broadband internet to remote ,
“ We know young people stay in places they feel a part of and invested in . You can be a part of making that a reality by inviting young people to have a seat at the table and truly inform the future of this state . The young people we work with every day are some of the most proactive , visionary and dedicated people in the country . They know they can make an impact in their state and they ’ re rolling up their sleeves and working together to make it happen .”
underserved areas ,” Weld says . “ Generation West Virginia , in partnership with the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation , has launched the Locally Driven Broadband Solutions initiative . We provide wrap-around technical assistance and support in navigating the broadband development process , including grant writing , strategic planning and partnership development tailored to local needs . We want to strengthen the work that ’ s already happening in communities by filling in capacity gaps and facilitating partnerships across the private , public and nonprofit sectors .”
The organizations lead a coalition with AARP to pass broadband expansion legislation as well as supporting the Young Entrepreneur Reinvestment Act , which waives state filing fees for young entrepreneurs starting a new business in the state .
“ We will continue to share what we find are the most important strategies to attract , retain and advance young people in the Mountain State to empower our state ’ s leaders to make informed decisions ,” Weld says .
There are many ways West Virginia leaders and members of the business community can be allies in the cause of keeping young talent in state .
“ One of the most important steps for any initiative wanting to support this mission is to engage and listen to young people ,” Roper says . “ Ask what barriers they are facing and make sure to really understand their experiences and engage them in identifying and implementing the solutions . We know young people stay in places they feel a part of and invested in . You can be a part of making that a reality by inviting young people to have a seat at the table and truly inform the future of this state . The young people we work with every day are some of the most proactive , visionary and dedicated people in the country . They know they can make an impact in their state , and they ’ re rolling up their sleeves and working together to make it happen .” •
38
WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE