Building the talent pipeline: Bringing college to high school and training for jobs right at home

A strong educational foundation is essential to help today’s students become tomorrow’s leaders in their own communities. West Virginia University is partnering with the Van School District in southern West Virginia to launch WV P20, a pilot program that establishes an early college and STEM academy in Boone County. Led by Emily Perdue, Extension specialist in 4-H youth agriculture, and Jason McKibben, assistant professor of agricultural and extension education, the program seeks to help students prepare for, attend and graduate from two-year and four-year colleges and universities, as well as develop work-force ready students in the fields of agriculture, forestry and natural resources.

Dr. Gee spoke to Van WV Elementary, Jr and Sr High School students, teachers and administrators, saying, "Talent is our greatest resource and programs like this are making things happen by making sure our students can believe and achieve anything they want to do."

Within the program’s framework, students will engage in research-based STEM education, receive robust career and vocational training and participate in youth development programs like FFA and 4-H.

Success of the WV P20 system in Boone County has the chance to put West Virginia on the cutting edge of rural education in America.