OEDC Today

West Virginia has always been a state known for its rugged beauty, rich history, and resilient people. However, the state faces a pressing challenge: retaining its young talent. Many graduates leave to pursue opportunities elsewhere, contributing to the state’s population decline. In response to this, West Virginia University (WVU) President Gordan Gee and Marshall University President Brad D. Smith launched First Ascent, a new initiative designed to help recent graduates build successful careers within the state while staying close to the communities they know and love.

Teachers Ascend into West Virginia, a first-of-its-kind national program based at West Virginia University and designed to attract teachers to the Mountain State, is now accepting applications. WVU, the West Virginia Public Education Collaborative and the West Virginia Department of Education invite new and seasoned K-12 educators with a spirit of adventure to apply.