First Ascent is a two-year program designed to help you launch your professional career through the power of remote and hybrid work while maximizing work-life balance and building community. Hop on our email list to be the first to know when to apply!
Notify Me When the Application OpensAre you ready to find adventure, cultivate meaningful relationships, and prioritize work-life balance while simultaneously advancing your career? The First Ascent community is specifically designed to help you propel your remote or hybrid career in the mountains of West Virginia through Community, Purpose, and the Outdoors.
West Virginia University and Marshall University graduates who accept a full-time, remote, remote-first, or hybrid job offer are eligible to apply for a unique two-year program launching summer 2023. Selected participants will live in one of the above featured community and receive access to the following perks:
Qualified applicants will have graduated from West Virginia University or Marshall University with a bachelor's degree or higher within the past year; this includes 2022 and 2023 graduates.
Don't go it alone. Your university's Career Services Office(s) can help you accelerate your search for a full-time remote, remote-first, or hybrid career opportunity. Once you've received an offer for employment, you can apply to join the First Ascent community!
| University | Office | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Marshall University | Office of Career Education | Cris McDavid, Director
career@marshall.edu |
| West Virginia University | Career Services Center | David Durham, Director
careerservices@mail.wvu.edu |
| West Virginia University |
College of Business & Economics
Center for Career Development |
Sarah Glenn, Director
careers@mail.wvu.edu |
Once you've accepted your remote, remote-first, or hybrid job offer, you can apply for First Ascent!
Notify Me When the First Ascent Application Opens
Contact the First Ascent Assistant Director:
Jessica R. Stidham, MA
First Ascent pays dividends.
Working in a remote or hybrid environment doesn't mean you have to stay in your living room - get outside with access to free gear rentals and facilitated outdoor excursions with our complementary outdoor recreation package. The mountains are calling.
Remote and hybrid work is here to stay, and our co-working spaces are the solution to your productivity and time-management challenges. Stop into our community hubs to stay on top of your workload while also building community!
When making the transition into your professional career, a supportive community can make all the difference. To help you feel at home and find your place, join us for a variety of social events and exclusive adventures every month.
We've got the tools to help you grow! Set yourself up for success through carefully curated mentorship programs, a remote worker certification, and additional resources designed to support your professional aspirations.
Make new friends and give back through amazing non-profit organizations. Discover organizations and volunteer opportunities through your local United Way or the West Virginia Non-Profit Association.
First Ascent will connect you with existing recreation groups in your area and help you kickstart your own adventures. Opportunities abound with the Hiking Project, WV Tourism, and opportunities more specific to your home community.
Check out Generation West Virginia to network through virtual and in-person meet ups for meaningful exchanges of resources and ideas, or check out other local opportunities in your region!
The West Virginian food scene has something for every palate! Not sure what's for dinner? Explore our state's culinary line up with Candace Lately, a blog highlighting local food culture across the state.