lead capacity building , technical assistance and educational coaching for participating schools throughout this process to ensure our educators are provided the support and resources necessary to build a successful program that is sustainable and impactful in our local communities .”
For Tricia Ball , associate director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation , or iCenter , at Marshall University , the partnership aligns perfectly with the center ’ s mission to reframe the economic future of West Virginia from one of generational poverty to one of generational prosperity .
“ To me , innovation and entrepreneurship are two of the key pieces of that equation ,” she says . “ We all hear people talking about West Virginia ’ s problems , how we ’ re at the top of all of the bad lists and the bottom of all of the good lists and how we need more jobs . Business is problem-solving . Through an entrepreneurial ecosystem , I think we can get people to stop thinking of these problems as things to complain about or reasons to leave and instead view them as challenges to be solved . If we are successful in that mindset
shift , I believe people will begin to create startups that solve the state ’ s challenges . I think the true transformation , though , is one step beyond that . If people in our state innovate scale-up startups that solve our greatest challenges , we will change our future , and West Virginia will change from a place people want to leave to find meaningful work , to a place where people move to get it .”
Many successful entrepreneurs have played an important role in giving feedback to help construct the pathway program and identifying additional opportunities for students . This group has become known as the West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem ( WVEE ) and is made up of small business owners , entrepreneurs and resource providers working to build and showcase the story of entrepreneurship in the state . The group was co-founded by St . Clair and Bill Woodrum , West Virginia Entrepreneurship Network coordinator for the West Virginia Development Office , in 2019 .
“ The goal of the WVEE is an intentional system of support for entrepreneurs , including planning , regulation ,
It ’ s Never Too Late to Graduate
By Emily Rice
Over the past year , many have taken their extended time at home to pick up new hobbies , finish old projects or , in the case of Landau Eugene Murphy Jr ., correct a lifelong regret .
Season six winner of “ America ’ s Got Talent ” and Logan County , WV , native , Murphy lived the busy life of a touring musician until the COVID-19 pandemic brought the world to a halt . He used this time to go back to school online and earned his high school equivalency diploma after dropping out in the 11th grade three decades ago .
“ When all my tour dates in 2020 were canceled because of the pandemic , I suddenly had a lot of time on my hands and went back to school ,” Murphy says .
After spending about a month studying , he passed the first four class modules in quick succession and his final math test shortly thereafter . Murphy holds an honorary doctorate in music from the University of Charleston and is considering furthering his education . His main takeaway from the experience is a drive to encourage others to complete their high school diploma or equivalent .
West Virginia Adult Education is part of the West Virginia Department of Education ’ s Technical Education and Governor ' s Economic Initiative . As such , the program provides adults with the opportunity to build skills for success in their lives as workers , family members and citizens .
“ West Virginia Adult Education assists adult learners to be literate , productive and successful in the workplace ,
Photo by Landau Eugene Murphy Jr .
home and community by delivering many programs and services at no cost . All classes and services are free ,” says Mendy Marshall , executive director of the Office of Adult Education .
There is no cost for adults to take their high school equivalency diploma test in West Virginia .
“ Put the work in , go back to school and improve your life . It will be one of the best decisions you ’ ll ever make ,” Murphy says .
Murphy is now advocating for adult literacy as part of the education department ’ s It ’ s Never Too Late to Graduate campaign and says now is a good time to earn a high school equivalency diploma .
“ We are thrilled to partner with Landau Eugene Murphy Jr . to share his success with other adults in West Virginia ,” says Marshall .
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