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College Students Helping the Next Generation Moving Forward

West Virginia's college attainment level lags the national average, but in order to meet workforce demands, the goal is to reach 60% attainment by 2030. Higher education attainment levels are highly correlated to strong economies and provide increased earning potential for a lifetime. However, not every child can imagine college in their future. Broadening students’ vision of their future in post-high school education helps more of our West Virginia talent realize their full potential. WV Forward partners have designed a pilot project to connect 10 to 13 year old students in southern West Virginia with colleges across the state.

Student leaders from eight colleges and community & technical schools, as well as the Higher Education Policy Commission's WV Climb program, provided college-branded gear care packages to nearly 50 campers who attended the Tomorrow is Mine camp in summer 2018. Tomorrow is Mine is designed to boost campers' hope, perseverance and a sense of control of their futures. This fall, campers received a special care package from college student government leaders who made personal connections to the path to higher education. Campers received t-shirts, folders, flashlights, pencils, pens, temporary tattoos, a reusable bag, and other items – all branded by participating West Virginia colleges. They also received information about where to get more information about college. 

Many first generation, minority or disadvantaged college students have noted that a personal connection opened the door to college for them. Creating college student to camper connections can help shape youths’ decisions about their futures at a key time. By inspiring students who are statistically most likely to stay in West Virginia to think about advanced degrees or training can help them realize their full potential and, ultimately, strengthen our communities.

In 2019, WV Forward partners plan to expand this project and reach additional demographics, particularly minority students.

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*Citations available upon request.