March 23, 2010
 
WV Community and Technical College System Awarded $635,000 Grant By U.S. Department of Education for the Launch of Innovative Program Blending Technical Education and Economic Development
 
Special to Huntingtonnews.net
 
Charleston, WV (HNN) – The West Virginia Community and Technical System (WVCTCS) received a $635,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education for the I-PASS initiative. I-PASS, Integrated Pathways for Adult Student Success, is intended to provide opportunities for additional adults to attend college and move into high-demand, high-wage occupations.
 
“Building strong partnerships with industry and higher education creates an environment for great economic opportunity in West Virginia, said Gov. Joe Manchin. “These relationships bring new industries to our state by offering a skilled workforce, and enable graduates to build a bright future for themselves and West Virginia.”
 
A key aspect of I-PASS is providing greater accessibility for adults to attend and succeed in college. Students can enroll in fast-track programs allowing the simultaneous pursuit of a GED, a workforce certification or associate’s degree. Classes will be offered in four-week cycles to assist students in balancing the demands of work and family.
 
“The goal of I-PASS is to recruit and graduate more adult students with the skills necessary to be successful in the workplace and assist in growing the state’s economy,” said James L. Skidmore, Chancellor, WVCTCS. “This program will be a critical component of a broader initiative to increase the academic and technical skill levels of our adult population.”
 
Initially, the WVCTCS will launch I-PASS at three institutions: Bridgemont Community and Technical College, Kanawha Valley Community and Technical College, and West Virginia University at Parkersburg. Within three years, the program will be expanded to the additional seven community and technical colleges in West Virginia. I-PASS can serve as a model for serving adult students at community and technical colleges across the nation.
 
The U.S. Department of Education grant was awarded through the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE). FIPSE awards grants that support innovative educational programming and requires an evaluation as to how successful the program is in meeting goals of the grant and sharing the lessons learned with the larger education community.
 
The WVCTCS, comprised of 10 institutions, delivers affordable comprehensive community and technical college education in all regions of West Virginia. The WVCTCS graduates individuals prepared to meet the demands of employers or succeed in subsequent education. Through collaborating with various community members, the WVCTCS strives to provide high-quality workforce development programs and increase the college-going rate in West Virginia.
 
For more information - http://www.wvctcs.org/