FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 3, 2025
West Virginia – Generation West Virginia has been awarded a planning grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) through the Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE) to develop an implementation plan to expand a proven model of broadband workforce training across West Virginia and Pennsylvania.
The one-year initiative will focus on preparing Appalachian residents for careers in broadband fiber deployment across 61 counties. This includes all 55 West Virginia counties, as well as Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Lawrence, Greene, and Washington counties in Pennsylvania. The project will create a detailed action plan to integrate and scale proven workforce development and digital literacy programs into a Fiber and Digital Literacy Workforce Training program that will help boost workforce and help underserved residents secure well-paying jobs.
Generation West Virginia is coordinating with key partners, including the Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, Catholic Charities West Virginia, Computer Reach, and Washington County Authority. These partners are contributing matching funds to support the project, which aims to create a replicable training model for broadband workforce development.
“We are so excited to bring these forward-thinking partners together to explore the most effective way to replicate an innovative training model to support broadband expansion,” said Annie Stroud, broadband program director at Generation West Virginia. “This project will provide true workforce development, helping underserved residents secure well-paying jobs and close the digital divide.”
The implementation plan will serve as a blueprint for addressing workforce needs in the critical area of broadband infrastructure, offering opportunities for residents in some of the region’s most economically challenged communities.
About Generation West Virginia
Generation West Virginia equips young West Virginians with key skills and career opportunities, ensuring their ability to thrive in the Mountain State. By connecting young adults with resources, opportunities and each other through their workforce development initiatives, GWV is committed to building a stronger, more prosperous West Virginia for generations to come. To learn more, visit www.generationwv.org.
Media contact:
Jen Iskow
Marketing & Communications Manager
Generation West Virginia
[email protected]