Workforce Advantages
Student Success Stories
ANNA MOORE
The measure of a student ’ s success at a school , higher education institution or program depends on a lot of variables , including who you ask . It could be measured by a passing grade , quality performance or simply completion .
West Virginia Executive is highlighting several student success stories in state programs aimed at getting individuals paired with a career . These programs vary from scholarships and apprenticeships to on-the-job training . The concept of success here is getting each student to a point of self-sufficiency in the workforce . Each of the highlighted students benefitted from , or will soon benefit from , a program offered to help them reach their professional career goals and help West Virginia ’ s workforce grow stronger . No matter their personal challenges or struggles , each one overcame something to gain meaningful employment .
West Virginia Invests
By Katie Jarrell West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission Communications Coordinator
Jacob Ouimet , a computer network engineer technologies ( CNET ) student at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College in Berkeley County , says the West Virginia Invests grant program has allowed him to achieve his career goals by alleviating the stress of paying for college . Ouimet has an expected graduation date of fall 2024 .
“ The West Virginia Invests grant has helped me achieve my goals by providing the necessary funding for my CNET coursework , including the Network + course ,” Ouimet says . “ The West Virginia Invests grant has taken immense financial pressure off of me and allowed me to focus more on my classes and less on paying for them .”
Along with his CNET degree , Ouimet plans to pursue additional certifications , including CompTIA Network +, Cloud Essentials +, Cloud +, Amazon Web Services Cloud Practitioner and CISCO Certified Network Associate . He currently works as a part-time support desk administrator . After graduation , he plans to pursue a more networking-focused position , such as a CISCO Switch administrator .
Jacob Ouimet .
The West Virginia Invests grant program is a last-dollar-in financial aid program designed to cover the cost of tuition , mandatory fees and academic program fees for certificate or associate degree programs in specific high-demand fields , as determined by the West Virginia Department of Commerce , at a participating West Virginia public two- or four-year institution . With 75 % of jobs in the current economy requiring postsecondary education or training , West Virginia Invests is designed to help more West Virginians earn the credentials they need to land a rewarding career right here at home . The program is managed by the West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education .
Jobs & Hope WV
By Matthew Holstein Jobs & Hope WV Strategic Relations Agent
West Virginia is facing ongoing struggles with substance use , but Jobs & Hope WV is taking action against this crisis . Jobs & Hope WV was established by Governor Jim Justice and the West Virginia Legislature to address the substance use disorder crisis in the state . The program works with different agencies to provide West Virginians with education and career training opportunities that can lead to meaningful employment .
Jimi Braswell , right .
Jimi Braswell is a Jobs & Hope WV graduate who joined the program as a participant in recovery . With the help of various organizations that partner with Jobs & Hope WV , Braswell was able to get his driver ’ s license back and gain access to materials , tools , education
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE