Adult Education Programs Receive Record Grant

The West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education has secured a $15 million federal Educational Opportunity Centers grant, according to a press release from Gov. Patrick Morrisey.  

The grant funds the statewide WV READY Educational Opportunity Centers initiative and will be used to expand educational access and career training opportunities for adult learners across the Mountain State.  

“This historic $15 million investment marks a transformative milestone for West Virginia’s workforce and economy,” Morrisey said. “By connecting our residents directly to career training, industry-recognized credentials, and higher education, we are removing barriers to employment and strengthening our state’s talent pipeline.” 

Designed to serve adults ages 19 and older, out-of-school youth, veterans, low-income residents, and first-generation students, the program delivers tailored guidance to streamline postsecondary enrollment, pre-apprenticeships, and Registered Apprenticeship Programs. 

It covers all 55 counties and includes all nine of West Virginia’s community and technical colleges including Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, BridgeValley Community and Technical College, Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College, Mountwest Community and Technical College, New River Community and Technical College, Pierpont Community and Technical College, Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College, West Virginia Northern Community College, and West Virginia University at Parkersburg. 

The initiative delivers critical individual support, including admissions coaching, high school diploma/equivalency completion assistance, financial literacy programs, and FAFSA completion aid. Key project benchmarks include targeting a 65% FAFSA completion rate and a 55% postsecondary or apprenticeship enrollment rate among participants. 

“At the end of the day, this is an investment in our people and our communities,” said Sarah Armstrong Tucker, chancellor of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and Community and Technical College System. “We’re honored to receive the largest EOC award in the nation, and we’re ready to work creating life-changing opportunities across our state. Through this grant, thousands of West Virginians will have access to the support and guidance they need to overcome obstacles and reach their goals.” 

The grant provides $3 million a year over five years and is the largest Educational Opportunity Centers grant in the nation.