West Virginia programs expand remote work and university access

The Charleston Area Ascend program has reached its one-year anniversary, marked by a $500,000 donation from Dr. Michelle Foster and the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation to support continued growth. The program, which aims to attract remote workers to West Virginia through financial incentives, has seen significant engagement in the Kanawha Valley. Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin reported that more than 100 new families have moved to the city, noting a nearly 97-percent retention rate among those who join through the program.

In related educational developments, West Virginia University (WVU) President Michael Benson highlighted the university’s progress during his second State of the University address. A key initiative mentioned is ‘WVU Express,’ a pilot project providing direct admission to qualifying high school seniors. The program is currently being implemented in Kanawha County schools, with dozens of students already applying, and officials aim to expand the initiative statewide to improve access and affordability.