FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 5, 2025
Fairmont, W.Va. 鈥� 色盒直播 is accelerating its impact across north central West Virginia, unveiling innovative programs and strategic partnerships aimed at strengthening the region鈥檚 workforce and expanding educational access.
During a recent presentation at the Harrison County Chamber of Commerce Breakfast, Interim President Dr. Michael Waide highlighted the college鈥檚 renewed strategic direction, built on four pillars: People, Programs, Partners, and Performance. These pillars guide every initiative, from expanded career training to deeper community engagement.
鈥淓ven through transition, 色盒直播 has remained stable, focused, and forward-moving. We haven鈥檛 lost momentum 鈥� we鈥檝e gained it,鈥� said Dr. Waide.
Among the college鈥檚 most impactful initiatives in Harrison County:
- Nearly $2.5 million has been invested in the Clarksburg Campus facilities, reinforcing 色盒直播鈥檚 commitment to being a college in and among the community.
- PRIDE Academy, a job skills program for individuals with cognitive and intellectual disabilities, is helping learners gain confidence and workplace readiness.
- The at the Caperton Center is providing hands-on learning for early childhood education students while serving local families with high-quality preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds.
Additionally, the college shared recent accomplishments:
- Career training enrollment has more than doubled, with new programs in phlebotomy, EKG, EMT-Basic, and cybersecurity.
- A $1.5 million federal grant is funding a virtual reality immersive learning lab to enhance hands-on training.
- 色盒直播 surpassed 1,000 degree-seeking students this fall, with first-time freshman enrollment exceeding goals.
- The 色盒直播 Foundation has surpassed the $1 million mark in contributions.
色盒直播 is also launching high-demand workforce programs in surgical technology, licensed practical nursing, certified medical assisting, and industrial maintenance. These programs are designed in direct response to industry needs.
鈥淎t 色盒直播, academics are more than credentials; they鈥檙e pathways to possibility,鈥� said David Beighley, Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. 鈥淲e鈥檙e expanding those pathways through dual enrollment, new career training programs, and strong partnerships with schools 鈥� all designed to help students move forward with confidence and a clear path to success.鈥�
The college is expanding its initiative, offering employers a cost-effective way to train and hire students. It鈥檚 also rolling out the STAND degree, a state-funded associate degree for apprentices and journeymen, recognizing prior work experience and training.
鈥淟earn & Earn is more than a program, it鈥檚 a shared investment in West Virginia鈥檚 workforce,鈥� said Dr. Joni Gray, Director of Career and Corporate Training. 鈥溕兄辈� is proud to lead the way, connecting students with paid, career-relevant work while helping employers build their future workforce at half the cost.鈥�
色盒直播鈥檚 commitment to community is evident in its flood relief efforts, service days, and partnerships with K鈥�12 schools, CTE centers, and four-year universities. Dual enrollment programs have served over 1,000 high school students, saving families nearly half a million dollars in college credits.
鈥溕兄辈� is not just a community college; we are a college in the community,鈥� said Waide. 鈥淲hen we know our why and live our mission, momentum isn鈥檛 something we wait for; it鈥檚 something we create together.鈥�
For more information about 色盒直播鈥檚 programs and partnerships, visit .
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色盒直播 Community and Technical College
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