WVU Parkersburg receives program grants totaling $177,705.

CONTACT:  Rhonda Richards, executive dean of academic affairs, 304-424-8242.
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

West Virginia University at Parkersburg has received two grants totaling more than $177,000 for delivery of a new certificate program in heating, ventilation and air conditioning and the implementation of  a "Middle College" program.

The grants, awarded by the West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education involve $142,705 for a new HVAC certificate and $35,000 for a Middle College collaborative program.

The certificate program is designed to meet the standards and skills necessary to be licensed in West Virginia and aimed at meeting content competencies needed to pass the HVAC/R Technician Certification Examination and the North American Technician Excellence, Inc. certifications.

"There is a need in this region for certified HVAC technicians and this certificate is designed to deliver a cadre of qualified personnel," noted Rhonda Richards, executive dean of academic affairs.

The Middle College program is a collaboration between the state's Community and Technical College system and the Adult Basic Education system. 

"In the past, adult education and community colleges have been regarded as separate service systems," Dr. Richards noted.  "In the Middle College model, they are regarded as interdependent components which lead adults through the adult basic education program and into post-secondary education."

"The Middle College program can be customized to be 'program specific' and used to help adults prepare for and succeed in occupational and technical degree programs," she added.

The Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation is providing the Middle College funding to facilitate the progression of individuals up the ladder of education and training as quickly and effectively as possible.  

Both programs are to be implemented and offered for fall 2008.

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