Parkersburg, W.Va. (July 6, 2021) – West Virginia University at Parkersburg students pursuing a certificate or associate degree can stay on track with their education through the university’s Ascend program. This includes waived tuition, a monthly Kroger gift card and financial assistance to buy textbooks.

Ascend students also receive additional support in class advising, resume writing and tutoring. Upon graduation, students can be transferred into a bachelor’s degree program or enter the workforce.

“I think it’s important that college students take in all the time and resources that they can,” said Ashley Smith, a Business Administration and Ascend student. “It seemed like a no-brainer [to apply] when I already needed assistance.”

To be eligible for the program, students must be a W.Va. or Ohio resident and have 15 or less college credit hours (credits earned by high school students are not counted unless they have 30 or more hours). Students are also required to have a minimum 2.0 GPA, apply for FAFA and WV Invests (if a W.Va. resident) and be enrolled in one of the following majors:

Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Business Administration, Chemical and Polymer Operator Technology, Computer Information Technology, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, Digital Communication, Digital Media Production, Drafting, Electrical Reliability and Maintenance Technology, Electricity and Instrumentation Technology, Industrial Maintenance, Multi-Craft Technology, Nursing, Patient Care Technician, Reliability and Maintenance Technology, Residential and Commercial Technology, Strategic Communication, Surgical Technology and Welding.

The application deadline has been extended to Tuesday, July 27. To apply, visit wvup.edu/ascend/join.

Interested students and families may join information sessions on July 7, at 1 p.m., or July 8, at 7 p.m., at wvup.edu/join or wvup.edu/live.