West Virginia’s future depends on preparing students with the knowledge and skills they need for success, and one of the best ways to do that is by connecting schools with local businesses. These partnerships provide students with robust learning experiences that help connect real-world learning, build critical skills, and propel them to be career-ready.
That’s why the Education Alliance, in partnership with Hope Gas, is launching the Hope for the Future: WV School-Business Partnership of the Year Awards Program—an initiative to spotlight and celebrate outstanding school-business collaborations across the state.
With $40,000 in prizes, we encourage schools and businesses to apply and showcase how their partnerships support student success. Eight Regional Partnerships of the Year will each receive a $2,000 Celebration Grant, while the State Partnership of the Year will receive an award package valued at $25,000. The application deadline is March 7, and we hope this recognition will inspire more businesses and schools to team up. Apply at https://educationalliance.org/Caperton.
The Education Alliance pioneered school-business partnerships in West Virginia in 1984. Over the years, these collaborations have become essential to education and workforce development. When businesses and schools work together, students benefit from hands-on learning, businesses build a talent pipeline, and communities grow stronger.
Across the state, we’ve seen incredible partnerships thrive.
Hope Gas partners with Monongalia County Technical Education Center to provide paid summer internships in which high school students gain safety training, field experiences, and undertake a capstone project. These programs expand post-secondary opportunities by enhancing instruction with real-world experiences.
Food Lion in White Sulphur Springs plays a vital role in enhancing student learning by actively engaging local elementary students in educational experiences. For over two decades, the store team has participated in Career Day and hosted immersive field trips, allowing young students to explore various grocery store roles. Students gain practical insights into the industry through hands-on activities like stocking shelves, bagging groceries, and managing inventory.
Toyota’s 4T Academy connects 11th- and 12th-grade students in Kanawha, Mason, and Putnam County Schools with career opportunities in advanced manufacturing. During the two-year program, students gain real world experience while working alongside and learning from industry professionals. Seniors receive an hourly wage during their final semester in a paid internship.
Appalachian Power partners with Nitro High School in Kanawha County to support a project-based learning experience focused on lineman safety. As part of this initiative, students reviewed the AEP lineman’s safety harness and worked with the AEP team members to develop an improved model. They created an electronic safety clip prototype and are one of eight teams across the USA competing in the MIT InvenTeam competition.
WVU Medicine’s MedEd program is an innovative healthcare career pathway co-designed and co-delivered in both Monongalia and Jefferson County Schools. Eleventh grade students are onsite at their respective hospital locations one day a week and rotate through various departments to get an overview of healthcare careers. Seniors are “matched” with one hospital department for their entire senior year, with a paid internship during their second semester.
These partnerships don’t just benefit students—they strengthen local communities. Aligning education with workforce needs helps businesses access motivated, job-ready talent while reducing unemployment and boosting economic growth. Investing in education enhances a company’s reputation and strengthens West Virginia’s workforce.
The Education Alliance invites schools and businesses across West Virginia to join this movement. School-business partnerships have the potential to transform West Virginia’s education landscape. Let’s work together to empower our students with the skills and resources they need to succeed, because when our students succeed, our businesses thrive, and our communities grow stronger. Together, we can ensure every student in the mountain state is ready for future success. Nominate your partnership today! https://educationalliance.org/Caperton.
By:
Amelia Courts, President
The Education Alliance
Charleston, WV
