summer internships. This year, high school students in Harrison, Lewis, Monongalia and Upshur counties rotated through various departments, learning how a utility company operates and where their strengths might fit in.
These aren’ t just internships, they are confidence builders. Interns gain professional habits, see teamwork in action and begin to envision themselves as contributors. This experience also shows students how many careers are available in their own backyard and allows them to see which one suits them best.
Learning to Care
Launched in 2024, Marshall Health’ s MedEx program places students from Cabell and Wayne counties in local hospitals, including St. Mary’ s and Cabell Huntington. In May 2025, 25 more students signed official certificates to join the twoyear Medical Explorers program.
In addition to clinical skills, students learn how to communicate clearly, comfort patients and show up with purpose. These experiences don’ t just shape future health care professionals, they nurture responsible, compassionate community members.
More Than Jobs … A Shared Future
Beyond these standout programs, West Virginia is full of powerful school-business partnerships. Companies like AT & T, Conn-Weld, Dominion Energy, Dow, MPLX, Nucor, Service Wire and ZMM Architects & Engineers are investing in students to do more than meet labor demands. They’ re building the foundation of our state’ s future.
That’ s why the CAREERS model, developed by the Education Alliance, focuses not only on job readiness but on mentorship, service and real-world experience. In a state with one of the lowest labor force participation rates in the nation, these programs are breaking generational cycles and planting seeds of hope.
How You Can Help
To West Virginia business leaders: If you host college interns, consider opening your doors to high school students, too. Even a single job shadow can ignite a student’ s imagination. If you’ re unsure how to start, the Education Alliance can help.
To educators: Business partners can bring relevance and reality to your curriculum. They will support your efforts to ensure students feel seen, valued and connected to a bigger purpose.
West Virginia’ s future will be shaped by the students we invest in now. Thanks to the vision of forward-thinking employers, young people across our state are discovering they have something to offer and something to look forward to. The Education Alliance is proud to support this growing movement. Together, we’ re building a stronger, brighter future in the Mountain State. •
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