What began in 2007 as a small network of young West Virginians with big ideas has grown into a statewide movement for opportunity, connection, and progress. Generation West Virginia continues to evolve—launching programs, shaping policies, and creating pathways that empower young people to build their futures right here at home. The milestones below reflect not just our history, but our shared commitment to helping the next generation thrive in the Mountain State and beyond.
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.
In 2014, Generation West Virginia hires its first executive director. What started as a statewide networking organization quickly develops into something larger.
In 2016, Generation West Virginia—alongside a diverse coalition of partners—informs state public policy wins including the Crowdfunding Bill, the Brunch Bill, the Young Entrepreneur Reinvestment Act.
In 2017, Generation West Virginia launches its first program, the Impact Fellowship, in response to a lack of clear pathways between job opportunities and job seekers.
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.
Generation West Virginia and partners in the ACT Now Coalition receive one of 21 Build Back Better Regional Challenge awards from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, increasing the scale of the organization’s job training, placement and advancement work. GWV spearheads the workforce development initiatives of the coalition.
Generation West Virginia realigns its programmatic offerings, launching the Career Connector for job placement support and relaunches the GWV Fellowship to support advancement of young adults across the state.
Generation West Virginia’s board of directors and team leadership reaffirm the organization’s commitment with an updated mission statement: Generation West Virginia equips young West Virginians with key skills and career opportunities, ensuring their ability to thrive in the Mountain State.
In light of lessons learned through our first five years of programming, as well as shifts due to the pandemic, Generation West Virginia’s workforce development programs—Broadband, Career Connector, the GWV Fellowship, and NewForce—evolve to better respond to the needs of young people and employers in the state.