BridgeValley CTC Receives $1,499,969 from Appalachian Regional Commission’s POWER Initiative
BridgeValley Community and Technical College (BVCTC) has been awarded $1,499,969 by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to increase training in critical workforce needs in the region.
The project will provide credentialed employer-approved training for seven high-demand occupations, including heavy and tractor trailer truck drivers, electrical power-line installers, telecommunications-fiberoptic installers, and transportation infrastructure inspectors.
Project funds will modernize existing curricula, increase BVCTC’s capacity to train more students across its two campuses, increase completion rates by providing support services for participant retention, and engage industry partners in assessing program offerings and aligning them with employer needs.
Through a partnership with Workforce West Virginia, local municipalities in Southeastern WV, and local employers, BVCTC seeks to wrap support around current and future students for these new opportunities to train in high-demand fields. The project will serve up to 625 students with services for career preparation, support, and specialized training while they complete an industry credential program.
This award is part of a recently announced nearly $54 million package supporting 64 projects in 217 coal-impacted counties through ARC’s POWER (Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization) Initiative, which directs federal resources to economic diversification projects in Appalachian communities affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power plant operations, and coal-related supply chain industries. This is the largest single POWER awards package to date since the initiative launched in 2015.
Additional support for Powering Prosperity is provided by West Virginia Community and Technical College System (WVCTCS).
“From workforce training and agriculture, to downtown development and broadband expansion, the projects receiving grants in this round of POWER funding show that the future of Appalachia’s coal-impacted communities is economically diverse and innovative,” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. “Projects like these are resulting in life-changing transformations, which in turn, not only provides new economic opportunities, but brings a renewed sense of hope and purpose across our Appalachian Region.”
“This funding is not just a financial boost; it signifies faith in the potential of our community,” said Casey Sacks, President of BridgeValley Community and Technical College. “This award is a testament to our region’s resilience and potential. With the support of ARC and our partners, we are building dreams, careers, and a stronger, more vibrant Appalachia.”
Including today’s award package, ARC has invested over $420 million in 507 projects impacting 365 coal-impacted counties since POWER was established in 2015. ARC’s investments have helped create or retain over 53,000 jobs and prepare over 142,000 workers and students for new opportunities in entrepreneurship, broadband, tourism, and other growing industries.