GWV’s October 2025 Newsletter

West Virginia’s next generation of leaders is rising! From career opportunities with local employers to data analytics training and rural telehealth innovation, see how GWV is connecting talent, opportunity, and community across the Mountain State.

Staying Power: How Emerging Leaders Are Reshaping West Virginia's Future

Across West Virginia, a new generation of leaders is rising –rooted in their communities, fueled by purpose, and redefining what it means to build a future in the Mountain State. From expanding access to education and mentorship to leading innovation in business and public service, their stories reflect a shared belief: success doesn’t have to mean leaving the state, it can mean helping it grow.

At GWV’s inaugural Pathways to Progress conference, the Spotlight on Emerging Leaders panel reinforced this vision with one resounding message:

West Virginia doesn’t have to be a place you leave to succeed; it can be the place where you lead.

We believe that talent is West Virginia’s greatest resource, but to thrive, talent needs opportunity to grow. To learn more about the young leaders driving this change… 

GWV’s Pathways to Progress Conference returns in 2026 for a full day of solutions-driven discussions about the future of work in West Virginia. If you’re an industry leader, workforce expert, or policymaker with insights or stories to share, we’d love to hear from you as we continue to highlight the innovation and talent moving our state forward.

Fellowship

Welcome Scotty Stone!

We’re excited to welcome Scotty Stone as GWV’s new Fellowship Program Manager. In this role, Scotty leads efforts to connect young professionals with the skills, networks, and opportunities they need to build meaningful careers in West Virginia. A Clay County native with nearly a decade of nonprofit experience in economic and workforce development, Scotty is passionate about helping West Virginians overcome barriers to employment and find pride and possibility at home.  

Be on the lookout for 2026 GWV Fellowship applications opening in mid-November!

NewForce

NewForce Brings Data Analytics Trainees Together for Professional Development Day

On October 17th, NewForce’s Data Analytics Cohort 11 gathered at the Kanawha County Public Library in Charleston for Professional Development Day, the program’s only in-person component and always a highlight of the training experience. Trainees, staff, and alumni spent the day building community and sharpening professional skills, starting with NewForce trivia before diving into sessions on maximizing LinkedIn, entrepreneurship, and business resilience led by partners from Advantage Valley and the WV Hive. 

Applications for NewForce Cohort 12 are NOW OPEN!

NewForce is a 5 month, fully-remote, tuition-free data analytics career training program. Through an immersive curriculum, NewForce trainees solve real-world problems, present findings, collaborate on teams, and graduate with in-demand data analytics skills. We then leverage employer partnerships to help trainees find their first industry role. Applications will remain open until November 14th. We are excited to engage with another round of applicants looking to break into the data analysis industry!

Career Connector

Generation WV Partners with Bound for Adventure!

We’re excited to announce a new partnership between Generation West Virginia and Bound for Adventure through our Generational Talent Search program! This partnership will help Bound for Adventure to find the perfect candidate to lead this amazing opportunity. Our talent recruitment service connects West Virginia employers with skilled, motivated professionals who are ready to make a real impact in their communities. We can’t wait to support Bound for Adventure as they grow their team and create even more opportunities for West Virginians.

Meet Us at the Workforce WV Statewide Virtual Job Fair

Next Wednesday, November 5th, Generation WV will be joining the Workforce WV Statewide Virtual Job Fair! This is a great chance for job seekers to connect with employers across West Virginia and discover exciting career opportunities. Stop by our virtual booth to learn about current openings, check out our free job board, and see how Generation WV can help you take the next step in your career.

Broadband

Supporting Telehealth Where It’s Needed Most

Broadband access is critical for rural healthcare. Many West Virginians live far from doctors and specialists, and while telehealth offers a solution, barriers remain: unreliable internet, outdated devices, and lack of digital skills.

The impact matters. According to a 2024 WVU Science and Technology Legislative Note, areas with increased telehealth access can see up to 20% improvement in patient compliance and health outcomes. Generation West Virginia is partnering with the USDA Rural Development Broadband Technical Assistance program to help four rural health organizations expand their telehealth services sustainably.

Investing in Possibility

Across every program; from broadband to workforce to leadership, one belief drives our work: West Virginia’s future is built by those who choose to grow, lead, and stay.

When you donate to Generation West Virginia, you’re helping emerging leaders access the training, mentorship, and opportunities they need to build meaningful careers here at home.Your year-end gift fuels programs that connect talent to opportunity and help communities thrive across the Mountain State.

 

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