The West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education has been awarded a landmark $15 million federal Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC) grant, providing $3 million annually for five years to expand educational access and workforce training opportunities across the Mountain State. The award is the largest EOC grant in the nation, positioning West Virginia as a national leader in helping adults and out-of-school youth connect to education, training, and career pathways.
The grant will fund the statewide WV READY Educational Opportunity Centers (WV READY EOC) initiative, a collaborative effort involving all nine of West Virginia’s community and technical colleges. The program is designed to help adult learners and out-of-school youth ages 19-24 access postsecondary education, workforce training, industry-recognized credentials, and registered apprenticeship programs. The initiative will serve residents in all 55 counties and is expected to assist thousands of residents annually.
The WV READY EOC program will provide individualized support services, including college admissions assistance, FAFSA completion support, financial literacy education, career counseling, high school equivalency guidance, and connections to postsecondary education and workforce training opportunities. The initiative is specifically designed to address barriers faced by low-income, first-generation, rural, veteran, foster care, homeless, and other underserved populations.
“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,” said Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker, Chancellor of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and Community and Technical College System. “This would not have been possible without the support of our state and federal leaders, along with the energy and expertise of our community and technical colleges.”
“This grant, the largest in the entire country, demonstrates the potential and efforts put forward through West Virginia’s nine Community and Technical Colleges to support students further their careers in West Virginia by enabling additional training opportunities, financial literacy education, FAFSA completion and admissions support,” said U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito. “I strongly support our state’s CTC System and am proud to have funded this program overall through my LHHS Appropriations Subcommittee.”
The program complements the state’s broader workforce development efforts by aligning educational opportunities with employer demand and emerging economic opportunities across West Virginia.
“This historic $15 million investment marks a transformative milestone for West Virginia’s workforce and economy,” said Governor Patrick Morrisey. “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. West Virginia is leading the nation in delivering real opportunities to our people, and this grant ensures that every adult seeking to build a better life has the tools and support to succeed.”
Through partnerships with community and technical colleges, adult education providers, workforce agencies, community organizations, and social service partners, the WV READY EOC initiative will help participants complete critical milestones such as earning a high school equivalency credential, completing the FAFSA, applying to colleges or training programs, and enrolling in postsecondary education or apprenticeships.
“At the end of the day, this is an investment in our people and our communities,” said Chancellor Tucker. “It’s about helping a working parent earn a credential, helping someone train for a new career, or helping a student take that first step toward a brighter future. Through this grant, thousands of West Virginians will have access to the support and guidance they need to overcome obstacles and reach their goals.”
Participating institutions include 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.