Building West Virginia's Future, Together
Generation West Virginia is more than an organization—we’re a statewide movement powered by people who believe in West Virginia’s future.
Every day, young professionals, employers, alumni, and supporters are coming together to build opportunity, connection, and long-term prosperity right here at home.
We are a community-powered organization committed to helping West Virginians build meaningful careers, strong networks, and lasting roots in the Mountain State.
Our work is grounded in one belief: West Virginia’s future is strongest when the people who care most are invested in shaping it.
In 2025, we saw that:
- Fellowship participants are discovering they’re not alone—connecting with a statewide network of motivated, passionate young professionals who chose to build their futures in West Virginia.
- Public libraries and workforce partners are launching digital literacy courses that train not just individual learners but volunteer instructors who will continue serving their communities long after the initial investment.
- Planning for our annual Pathways to Progress conference is turning ongoing conversations into concrete actions across the state.
- Employers are filling hard-to-hire positions through Career Connector while investing in multiple employees through the Fellowship, creating long-term stability for both businesses and professionals.
- NewForce tech training graduates are transforming their careers and choosing to stay in West Virginia, making an impact that reaches far beyond state lines.
These outcomes show how opportunity, connection, and investment lead to real change—for individuals and communities across the state.
These outcomes show how opportunity, connection, and investment lead to real change for individuals and communities across the state.
What We're Learning About West Virginia's Workforce
West Virginia’s workforce challenges aren’t just about filling jobs—they’re about creating the conditions where talent can thrive.
Community colleges, broadband access, housing, healthcare, and quality employers all play a role in whether young professionals stay or go. GWV‘s annual Pathways to Progress conference brings together the people who can actually solve these challenges: educators, employers, policymakers, and community leaders ready to move from conversation to action.
Early bird registration closes February 21, 2026—save your spot now and lock in discounted pricing. Join us to explore real strategies for attracting, training, and retaining talent across West Virginia.
Where the Work is Happening
While we’re planning for the big conversations at Pathways to Progress, the day-to-day work continues across all our programs. Here’s what’s happening right now:
Broadband: Spring Webinar Series Launches January 29
Kicking off our Pathways to Connectivity series with Session One: How to Effectively Market Your Program on January 29th at 1:00 pm. Can’t make it? Session Two: Funding for Telehealth follows on February 23rd at 1:00 pm.
Fellowship: Meet the Class of 2026 Soon
Applications are closed and we’re making final selections now. The new cohort will be announced in early February, with programming kicking off this March in Morgantown. Stay tuned—we can’t wait to introduce you to this year’s Fellows.
Career Connector: Deputy Director Role in Elkins
We’ve partnered with Woodlands Community Lenders on a hybrid Deputy Director position in Elkins. If you’re ready for a leadership role in community lending, apply today.
NewForce: Cohort 12 Underway + Alumni Level Up
Twenty participants just started their Data Analytics journey on January 12th. Meanwhile, alumni are sharpening their skills through Barry Griffith’s Python bootcamp—proof that learning doesn’t stop at graduation.
Alumni in Action
Introducing the Generation WV Fellowship Advisory Council
The best way to make sure our programs stay relevant and helpful is by incorporating what our young professionals really need! We’re thrilled to be bringing Fellowship alumni directly into program leadership. The newly formed Advisory Council will guide the Fellowship’s growth, identify speakers, and help secure sponsorships to keep the program accessible statewide.
Meet the Inaugural Council:
- Brandon Cordle (Class of 2023) – Project Manager, Mountwest Community College | Huntington
- Sarah Short (Class of 2023) – Director of Resource Development, United Way of the River Cities | Huntington
- Sarah Lyon (Class of 2023) – Advertising Specialist, WSAZ | Huntington
- Dustin Crutchfield (Class of 2024) – Director of Alumni Relations, Glenville State University | Glenville
- David Kirk (Class of 2024) – Communications Manager, City of Fairmont | Fairmont
- Maria Miller-Blatt (Class of 2024) – Accountant, EQT Corporation | Wheeling
- Kirsten Cosner (Class of 2025) – Director of Communications, WVU Office of the Provost | Morgantown
- Mariah Melanko (Class of 2025) – Vice President of Retirement Plan Services, Wesbanco | Wheeling
Get Involved - Choose the Path that Fits You
For Young Professionals:
For Donors:
For Employers & Partners:
Because of supporters like you, we’re able to invest in people, share our data openly, and continuously improve our work. Transparency and trust remain central to everything we do.
With gratitude, The Generation West Virginia Team |
None of this work happens without you. Thank you for believing in what’s possible here. |