On March 17, 2022, Generation West Virginia was awarded $523,253 through the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)’s High Impact POWER Impact project.
“Generation West Virginia is thrilled to receive this investment from ARC,” said Alex Weld, Executive Director of GWV. “This is an opportunity to strengthen programs that have already demonstrated successful economic development impacting the next generation in the Mountain State.”
The project will support the expansion and enhancement of Generation West Virginia’s Fellowship program, helping young people in West Virginia connect with and build community in the state. It also supports the launch of the Career Connector, a workforce development hub designed to connect local job seekers and employers in order to increase access to opportunity and chart a new economic course for the Mountain State.
With this investment from the ARC, GWV will be building on its proven track record of successful programs that have attracted interest from program applicants throughout the state, the country, and the world. While the Fellowship is continuing to iterate and evolve to meet the needs of the next generation, the Fellowship has already made a lasting impact on West Virginia with over 80% of fellows staying in state after the conclusion of the year-long program.
“I commend Generation West Virginia for innovating and collaborating to grow opportunities for people in their own community and neighboring communities,” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. “Partners like Generation WV are integral to making our POWER projects come to life, and I look forward to seeing the ways our Appalachian Region continues to grow, thanks to the impact of their work.”
GWV will be supported in this work by multiple partners, including the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, the West Virginia Development Office, and the Just Transition Fund.