After the completion of Cohort 12, the traditional NewForce cohort model will formally sunset. This decision was not made lightly. It reflects a moment of transition shaped by changes in funding, but also by the program’s success.
A note from GWV Board Chair, Kel Cecil:
In 2019, Generation West Virginia launched NewForce with a clear goal: open a real door into software careers for West Virginians. Employers needed tech talent, and many residents wanted stable, high-growth careers, but without the time, money, or access to pursue a four-year degree, the innovation economy felt out of reach.
NewForce created an entry point. It was tuition-free and fully remote before that was common, focused on practical skills tied directly to employer demand, and welcomed people with no prior coding experience. Participants gained hands-on experience connected to real jobs and built skills employers were ready to hire.
Technologists who otherwise could not pursue a degree found a way to participate in West Virginia’s growing innovation economy — without leaving the state or waiting years to get started.
And they did.
Today, NewForce graduates hold senior engineering and architect roles at startups, major corporations, and organizations in between. They lead teams, design complex systems, and ship products used nationwide. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside several of them on my own engineering teams, building software that competes on a national stage. Their impact is visible, measurable, and ongoing.
NewForce confirmed what we have always believed: West Virginians have the talent. What they need is access.
Since NewForce began, the landscape has evolved. Community and technical colleges, including programs at BridgeValley Community and Technical College and Mountwest Community and Technical College, have expanded technology training. National initiatives like gener8tor Skills offer new options. Online learning platforms are stronger than ever, and AI tools are lowering the barrier to building software.
There are now more pathways into this field than there were in 2019 — a sign of growth in our ecosystem and a testament to the work many partners are carrying forward.
As others continue strengthening workforce training, GWV is turning its focus to what comes next: where West Virginians are still being left out, what new opportunities are emerging, and what barriers remain. Transitioning NewForce is not stepping away from the work — it is staying true to it. When strong partners are prepared to carry something forward, we look ahead to the next challenge.
That next need may be AI literacy, entrepreneurship, leadership development, or connecting remote workers to national markets. Whatever it is, we will approach it with the same clarity and urgency that defined NewForce.
NewForce opened a door at the right moment in our state’s innovation journey. Now we look forward to building new pathways and driving real progress for West Virginians.
Kel Cecil
GWV Board Chair
Founder & Software Engineer, readyfuels.com
