Hurdles push student to work even harder: Kristie, a 34-year-old Wyoming County native, is a full-time student at Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College. She’s also a full-time single parent of two girls, ages 13 and 16. She started working toward a psychology degree at an online college several years ago, but an automobile accident set her back.
Single mom continues pursuing career dream: Irene was born in Michigan and adopted at age 5. Her family relocated to Logan, WV, which is where she still lives today, as a single parent of two children. Having several years of experience, she worked as a certified nursing assistant at a nursing home. But Irene wanted more for herself and her children.
Training helps graduate in professional and personal life: Greg Castle planned to go into nursing or occupational therapy because he wanted to help people. His wife was a nurse, and with the stability of both of them working in the allied health field, they could build a secure financial future for their family of five.
Father and son complete program together: Donald Kenneda and his son Justin recently completed New River Community and Technical College’s Electric Distribution Engineering Technology program, along with 30 other students including another father and son.
The beginning of a legal career: Amanda works at the Jackson County Day Report Center and plans to continue her education with WVU Parkersburg’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Legal Studies.
State program helps student learn and earn: Justin Lester started as an EDET student in the Learn and Earn program through New River Community and Technical College and Pike Electric. This state initiative allows students to intern and receive paid work experience and college credit. After his father, Cecil Lester, found himself unemployed from the utility industry, he enrolled in the accelerated EDET program offered over the summer
Student connects with local employer: Larry is a 2017 graduate of WVU Parkersburg, earning both an Associate of Applied Science in Engineering Technology and a Bachelor of Applied Technology. He is currently employment with Simonton Windows as an E&I Technician in their maintenance department.
Leaving a legacy: My name is Courtney Summers. I am 35 years of age and a single parent of two children, a daughter who is 16 and a son who is 12. I am a proud resident of West Virginia and live in a small area called Yuma Camp in Logan County.
State program helps student learn an Associate degree inspires more learning: My name is Tammi Bailey. I am 30 years of age and a single parent of one child, who is nine years of age. I am a West Virginia resident and proud of my heritage. I was born and raised in Logan County.
