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THE OFFER |
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Cash incentive of $ 12,000 |
A year of free outdoor recreation |
Two years of free outdoor gear rentals |
Free access to coworking space |
Access to professional development resources |
brain-drain . As remote work has become more commonplace as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic , the program offers a new way for lost Mountaineers to return home .
In September 2021 , the state opened remote worker applications for the Greenbrier Valley program while also welcoming the first group of 53 workers and their families to the Greater Morgantown Area . They are relocating from 21 states and the District of Columbia and as far away as Berlin , with the greatest number coming from California .
In total , an estimated 110 people have moved to West Virginia through the Ascend Morgantown Area opportunity . Most significant others of the transplants also had remote roles in other companies , and a handful of partners are now students at WVU .
“ Ascend members are building their lives here ,” says Emily Huguenin , director of Ascend West Virginia . “ The cost of living compared to the big cities some are relocating from makes putting roots down here much more accessible — like homeownership or starting a business — which has already happened for some of our Ascenders . Ascend is about integrating these remote workers thoughtfully into our communities , and that ’ s happening .”
Despite being tasked with relocating during the coronavirus pandemic , the Ascend team has been pleased with how the Ascenders have settled in and found opportunities for connection and community despite initial challenges .
“ A few of our participants have been very involved in the local music scene and others are showing interest in
Photo by Ascend West Virginia .
Photo by Ascend West Virginia .
volunteering for trail work with the OEDC to help create more connection with neighbors , like they ’ ve been a local for decades ,” says Huguenin .
So , what are the new Ascenders up to ? According to Paris Winfrey , Ascend Morgantown ’ s experience coordinator , the new Ascenders and their families are quickly integrating and becoming involved in the local community — participating in local boards and councils — while others are grouping to benefit nonprofits around town .
“ The feedback from participants has been really enthusiastic ,” says Winfrey . “ After living here for a few weeks , one of our participants mentioned she has been baptized in kindness , and everyone around her has lent a helping hand when needed .”
Making the program available in additional locations is still in progress , and the Ascend team says many new developments are coming to fruition . Thirty-two Ascenders and their families are moving to the Greenbrier Valley area and are already falling in love with the charm , outdoor adventure and culture found there . The program is so successful in both the Morgantown area and the Greenbrier Valley that applications have reopened to welcome even more Ascenders and opened for the first time for the newly minted Eastern Panhandle region . A second exciting development in this new round of applications allows program applicants to apply year-round on rolling admissions , giving those applying the flexibility to do so when they feel the time is right for them . The Ascend team , in true West Virginia fashion , says the door is always open .
While there are many other remote worker programs popping up across the country , the Ascend West Virginia program remains unique in its own right .
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WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE