BridgeValley Community and Technical College Secures ARC Grant to Power Prosperity through Infrastructure Job Training in West Virginia's Kanawha Valley

Sep 28, 2023

BridgeValley Community and Technical College (BVCTC) is proud to announce its collaboration with Workforce WV, local municipalities in southeastern West Virginia, and regional employers to launch a transformative initiative aimed at bolstering the state's infrastructure and paving the way for a brighter economic future for West Virginians in the Kanawha Valley.

The collaboration is made possible by a $1,499,969 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC).

This initiative, known as "Powering Prosperity," is set to empower the local workforce with industry-driven training, cultivate a competitive workforce in infrastructure-related industry clusters, and establish accessible career pathways to meet the growing demand for skilled labor in the southern region of West Virginia.

Powering Prosperity represents a significant effort to address the challenges faced by our communities and create opportunities for unemployed and underemployed West Virginians to secure high-quality, well-paying jobs in their own neighborhoods.

The project is expected to yield an increase in student enrollment, benefiting 625 individuals who will enroll in expanded programs designed to lead to employer-approved certifications and training in south-central West Virginia.

The core of Powering Prosperity is the development of training programs targeting seven key occupations critical to the region's infrastructure growth. These occupations include:

Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (requiring a commercial driver's license)
Electrical Power-Line Installers
Telecommunications-Fiberoptic Installers
Road and Bridge Construction and Inspection Workers
Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Mechanics
Diesel Engine Specialists
Industrial, Electrical, and Electronic Engineering Technologists

To achieve its goals, Powering Prosperity will modernize existing curricula, enhance BV's training capacity across its two campuses (South Charleston and Montgomery), and improve program completion rates by providing vital support services to help participants stay the course. Industry partners will play a pivotal role in assessing program offerings and aligning them with employer needs, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the workforce.

The collaborative efforts of Workforce WV, six influential industry associations/employers, the Human Resource Development Foundation (HRDF), Jobs & Hope, and Charleston Job Corps will be instrumental in the success of Powering Prosperity. These partners will work together to reach marginalized and disadvantaged individuals, offering them the resources and access necessary to pursue these career pathways. ARC funds will be allocated to personnel, fringe benefits, equipment, supplies, and contract support to facilitate student engagement and outreach.

BVCTC, a public, two-year institution of higher education, is committed to driving the Powering Prosperity initiative forward. The project aims to overcome the economic challenges faced by the Kanawha Valley and help the region build a stronger and more resilient future. By empowering West Virginians with the skills and opportunities they need, Powering Prosperity will create a thriving workforce, strengthen local industries, and fortify the infrastructure of southern West Virginia.

For more information about Powering Prosperity and BVCTC's involvement in this transformative project, please contact:

Michelle Wicks
Director of Outreach and Communications
BridgeValley Community & Technical College
[email protected]
304.205.6705