Six communities — including five existing Ascend locations — will be home to First Ascent members : Morgantown , Huntington , Eastern Panhandle , New River Gorge , Greater Elkins and Greenbrier Valley .
“ When we started with Ascend , the goal was to bring people to West Virginia — either for the first time or as returners ,” Marshall University President Brad Smith says . “ With First Ascent , we ’ re working to keep our graduates in state by positioning West Virginia as a hub for remote workers who can find success in the increasingly digital world while supporting overall state economic growth .”
Current students and alumni from WVU and Marshall can apply for First Ascent during the last year of their degree program through one-year post-graduation . Those applying must be willing to live in a featured community and accept a remote or hybrid full-time position for a company based inside or outside of West Virginia or have launched a business that operates and / or delivers services remotely prior to applying .
Those who qualify for First Ascent will have access to free co-working space and outdoor recreation equipment , success coaches and professional mentorships , a remote worker certification , professional development , community engagement , outdoor and social activities and more .
Supporting entities include WVU Career Services , the John Chambers College of Business and Economics Center for Career Development and the Marshall Office of Career Education .
First Ascent solidifies the program ’ s impact on the future of the state ’ s workforce and demonstrates a commitment to investing in the future of West Virginians . Seed funding for the First Ascent pilot program originated from WVU Provost Maryanne Reed ’ s Innovation Summit ; a subsequent award was provided by the U . S . Economic Development Administration ’ s Build Back Better Regional Challenge grant to Coalfield Development and WVU and will fund the First Ascent program . A $ 25 million gift from the Wing 2 Wing Foundation was awarded to WVU to launch the Ascend WV program in partnership with the state . This funding provided the foundation for the Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative to leverage West Virginia ’ s outdoor assets , take a lead role in asset-based economic development by investing in people and communities and build the infrastructure that will ultimately serve as a model for workforce development .
students that committed themselves to this level of excellence ,” says State Superintendent of Schools Michele Blatt . “ We are fortunate these schools and communities are representing the Mountain State on a national stage .”
National Blue Ribbon School leaders set high standards for academic excellence by demonstrating innovative school practices , effective teaching and learning and meeting the needs of students at various levels .
Based on collective student scores , the U . S . Department of Education recognizes schools in one of two categories , Exemplary High-Performing Schools and Exemplary Achievement Gap-Closing Schools .
Sherman Elementary , Jayenne Elementary and Ritchie Elementary are classified as Exemplary High-Performing Schools , and this is the first National Blue Ribbon honor for the schools .
This year marks the 40th cohort of National Blue Ribbon Schools with approximately 10,000 awards earned throughout the program ’ s history . In West Virginia , 99 awards have been bestowed during this time .
Shepherd Receives Grant for Internet2
Shepherd University has received a $ 637,210 two-year grant from the National Science Foundation ( NSF ) to connect its campus to Internet2 , a high-speed internet network that allows for the transfer of large amounts of data between members . Shepherd will join 331 other higher education institutions that are members . Internet2 also includes some
2023 National Blue Ribbon Schools Recognized
The West Virginia Board of Education and the West Virginia Department of Education congratulate West Virginia ’ s 2023 Blue Ribbon Schools . Three schools earned the esteemed honor based on overall satisfactory , academic performance or progress toward closing achievement gaps .
The honorees are Sherman Elementary School in Boone County , Jayenne Elementary School in Marion County and Ritchie Elementary School in Ohio County .
“ These schools embody exemplary academics , student achievement , educator development and effective instruction . I am thankful for the educators , staff , families and
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