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We're Here for the

LONG

HAUL

Y’ALL

What dream is calling you?

Is it finding your way somewhere off the beaten path? Staking out on your own, but not too far from your roots? Maybe it’s making a difference in your community or building a life on your terms in a place that’s wild and wonderful.

Everyday we’re working to make those dreams (and many more) a reality, because we’re determined to shape a future that's full of possibility for everyone who wants to call West Virginia home.

Generation West Virginia is a statewide organization for and by young people who understand that while finding a path isn’t always easy, it’s easier if we navigate the hurdles together. Our work is driven by the belief that when every young person has the tools, resources, and connections needed to make a home for their dreams here, we’ll end up building a better West Virginia for ALL of us.

How do we bring this vision to life?

We team up with dreamers and doers across the state to clear paths. To build fulfilling communities and careers so that, throughout the Mountain State, more people can find their way and find their people.

Our Staff

Our History

Generation West Virginia forms in 2007. Young people throughout West Virginia interested in professional, community, and leadership development gather to identify the functions, purposes, and activities of the statewide organization.
The Early Years
The Early Years
In 2014, Generation West Virginia hires its first executive director. What started as a statewide networking organization quickly develops into something larger. Recognizing that policy and legislation directly impacts attraction and retention, GWV dives in head first.
Policy for the Win
Policy for the Win
In 2016, Generation West Virginia—alongside a diverse coalition of partners—informs state public policy wins including the the Crowdfunding Bill, the Brunch Bill, the Uber Bill, and defeating the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
Policy for the Win
Policy for the Win
Generation West Virginia also informs the passage of the Young Entrepreneur Reinvestment Act in 2016, which waives filing fees for entrepreneurs under 30 wanting to start their own business.
Policy for the Win
Policy for the Win
In 2017, Generation West Virginia works with AARP to bring together a diverse coalition of stakeholders to pass the first piece of comprehensive broadband access legislation in the state in decades. This legislation primarily enables the establishment of cooperatives in West Virginia.
Policy for the Win
Policy for the Win
In 2017, Generation West Virginia launches the Impact Fellowship program in response to a lack of clear pathways between job opportunities and job seekers. This program connects young people with jobs in the state while helping them pursue professional development, find opportunities to give back, and flourish with the support of a peer network.
Program Opportunities
Program Opportunities
Generation West Virginia identifies the tech sector as a rapidly growing industry with many high-growth jobs and not enough people to fill them. In 2019, in response to employer demand, GWV launches NewForce to bridge the training gap and enable West Virginians with no prior coding experience to make the jump and join the tech industry.
Program Opportunities
Program Opportunities
In light of lessons learned through our first five years of programming, as well as shifts due to the pandemic, Generation West Virginia’s programs—our Network, Career Connector, Fellowship, and NewForce—evolve to better respond to the needs of young people and employers in the state.
Looking to the Future
Looking to the Future
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Our Board

GWV Fellowship Applications are Open Now

The GWV Fellowship is a nine-month program designed to help emerging and mid-career professionals find their footing and experience adventure in the Mountain State.

Learn More