PRINCETON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – For the second year in a row, the Education Alliance is seeking to recognize the state’s top school-business partnerships. The Alliance is kicking off its second annual Hope for the Future: School Business Partnership of the Year awards program Monday in Princeton. The statewide announcement is being made at the Mercer County Technical Education Center in Princeton. The Mercer County Technical Education Center’s partnership with Conn-Weld was recognized as one of eight regional winners in last year’s inaugural program and received a $2,000 cash prize.
The goal of the program is to recognize impactful school-business partnerships that are giving West Virginia K-12 students a leg up in academic success and career preparation.
West Virginia schools and businesses engaged in partnerships serving K-12 students across the state are encouraged to apply. Eight Regional Partnerships of the Year will be named, with each earning a $2,000 Celebration Grant. One State Partnership of the Year will receive an award package valued at $25,000.
West Virginia School-Business Partnerships operating programs in the following categories are encouraged to apply:
- Academic (reading, math, financial literacy, etc.)
- Career Exploration (speaker presentations/tours)
- Career Readiness (internships, work-based learning)
- School Strategic Plan/Advisory Participation Partnerships
- Social/Emotional (mentoring)
Last year, more than 75 partnerships in 37 counties were nominated. This year’s goal is to have 100 nominees representing all 55 counties.
“The Partnership of the Year award highlights the incredible impact of school-business partnerships on students across West Virginia,” said Dr. Amelia Courts, President/CEO of the Education Alliance. “We are thrilled to partner with Hope Gas on this initiative, and we encourage educators and businesses to submit an application to be recognized for their collaborative efforts on behalf of our students.”
“Strong industry partnerships are essential to expanding opportunities for both staff and students,” said Danielle Farmer, Director, Mercer County Technical Education Center. “A partner like Conn-Weld has opened countless doors for our center, and we would not be able to do the work we do without Conn-Weld’s continued and valuable support.”
“Conn-Weld is excited to continue our relationship with MCTEC and the Education Alliance. Conn-Weld, while working with Danielle Farmer and many others at MCTEC, is positioned to reap the rewards of a powerful industry and education partnership. Through interactive sessions and educational support, MCTEC and Conn-Weld will help build and educate generations of people that will support industry and most importantly the trades,” said Marvin Woodie, CEO of Conn-Weld.
“Hope Gas is honored to continue to support the Hope for the Future School Business Partnership of the Year award. One of Hope’s goals is to Keep our Kids in West Virginia by making sure they have opportunities to achieve their fullest education, career and life potential right here in the Mountain State. School-Business partnerships are a key piece to engaging, educating and preparing the future generation of West Virginia’s workforce. I applaud all the schools and businesses who collaborate to offer these essential learning opportunities to students. I encourage them to showcase their partnerships and apply for this award,” said Morgan O’Brien, Hope Gas CEO.
Pocahontas County Schools, and its partnership with Nature’s Mountain Classroom, was selected as the statewide winner last year out of 75 school-based partnerships. Every student in the county is given the opportunity to explore nature. From a storybook-based playground adventure for the youngest students to skiing, hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, and overnight camping trips for middle school, and career exploration and leadership skill-building in high school, learning has never been more immersive!
To learn more or to apply, visit www.educationalliance.org/caperton. Applications are due by February 28, 2026.
About the Education Alliance
The Education Alliance is a statewide nonprofit organization that advocates for a quality public education for all students. Established in 1983, the Alliance works to advance its mission by mobilizing business and community partnerships that equip West Virginia’s students for success. For more information, visit educationalliance.org.
