CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Ascend West Virginia, the nation’s premier talent attraction and retention program, today announced its addition of the Charleston Area community to the program. Founded by West Virginia native Brad D. Smith and his wife Alys, Ascend WV will welcome a new group of adventurers to the state’s capital city, offering them more than $20,000 in incentives—and a path to making “Almost Heaven” home.
The Charleston Area community joins a lineup of five other communities that together have welcomed more than 900 new West Virginians while maintaining a greater than 96 percent retention rate. Ascend members report an average individual annual income exceeding $97,000. Additionally, each participant relocates to West Virginia with an average of 1.9 accompanying individuals, further amplifying the program’s economic impact on the state.
“We launched Ascend WV with a vision to share the boundless opportunities and welcoming spirit of West Virginia with remote workers from across the country. Charleston represents the heart of our state—a place where innovation, culture, and adventure thrive together. We’re excited to see new residents discover what makes our capital city, and the Mountain State as a whole, an extraordinary place to live, work, and play,” said Brad D. Smith, Co-Founder of the Wing 2 Wing Foundation and President of Marshall University.
Beginning today, applications are being accepted for the Charleston Area community. The area is home to the West Virginia State Capitol, a thriving arts and music scene, and is a growing hub for innovation, dining and history. This community makes a perfect home base for adventures in the Mountain State.
“Ascend WV is about more than just relocation—it’s about building community, fostering new connections, and empowering people to create fuller, more meaningful lives. Charleston’s vibrant culture and access to outdoor recreation make it a perfect fit for our program, and we can’t wait to welcome the next group of Ascenders who will call it home,” said Alys Smith, Co-Founder of the Wing 2 Wing Foundation, First Lady of Marshall University, Founder of the Women Warriors Summit and Attorney.
Leading remote worker program offers $12,000 cash and year of free outdoor recreation
The Ascend WV program was made possible by a $25 million gift to West Virginia University’s Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative from former Intuit executive chairman and current Marshall University President Brad D. Smith and his wife, Alys. Together with the West Virginia Tourism and Economic Development departments, the collective team developed the only program in the country that focuses on outdoor recreation opportunities for talent attraction and retention.
To help participants experience West Virginia’s extraordinary landscapes, roaring rivers, and vibrant small towns, the program includes these incentives:
- Cash: $12,000 cash relocation incentive, paid in installments over a 2-year period.
- Free Outdoor Recreation: Ascend WV participants now receive two full years of outdoor adventures. From whitewater rafting excursions to zipline adventures, this benefit makes it easy to explore West Virginia’s natural beauty.
- Free coworking space: Remote workers will have modern facilities to stay connected and access to more than $1,200 in free outdoor gear rentals.
- Professional advancement: The ability to earn remote work certifications through West Virginia University and access to the John Chambers College of Business and Economics entrepreneurship ecosystem.
- Outdoor & Social Programming- opportunity to participate in curated outdoor recreation excursions and social activities.
Applications now open for all six program areas
Beginning today, Ascend West Virginia is accepting applications for Charleston Area, New River Gorge, Greater Elkins, Morgantown Area, Eastern Panhandle and Greenbrier Valley.
The Ascend WV program spans four regions of the state, each of which offer a unique setting to appeal to remote workers
Charleston Area: West Virginia’s capital city blends vibrant urban living with outdoor adventure–featuring nearly 90 mountain bike trails, more than 40 climbing routes, a thriving arts and music scene, and a growing hub for innovation, dining and history along the Kanawha River.
Greenbrier Valley: Laid-back living along the idyllic Greenbrier River–and home to 203 mountain bike trails, 2,325 climbing routes, 138 paddling runs, and a booming arts scene.
Morgantown Area: Lively college town brimming with culture, innovation and plenty of space to roam–boasting 94 paddling runs, nearly 200 mountain bike trails, and 1,400 climbing routes.
Eastern Panhandle: Historic small towns with great proximity to the nation’s capital–197 mountain bike trails, 1684 climbing routes, 90 paddling runs coupled with an elevated, bustling arts and culture, new development and hearty adventure along the Appalachian Trail.
Greater Elkins: Small town charm, music, and outdoor recreation meet here and provide a place to escape the hustle and bustle. Discover 176 mountain bike trails, 626 climbing routes, 123 paddling runs, WV’s highest mountains, world-class fishing, the Monongahela National Forest and more.
New River Gorge: A community that’s loved by avid nature enthusiasts and new explorers alike, the New River Gorge area is a perfect place to plant roots––with 142 mountain bike trails, 1693 climbing routes and 111 paddling runs on the New and Gauley Rivers. This booming area was rated one of the coolest small towns in America because of its array of local restaurants, scenic surrounding mountains and recreational activities.
Local leaders have rallied around the program
“West Virginia University is thrilled to extend the nation’s first and only multi-location remote worker attraction and retention program to our state’s capital region,” said Danny Twilley, Assistant Vice President of Economic, Community, and Asset Development for the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative. “We look forward to continuing to lead the program’s day-to-day operations to help fulfill our University’s land-grant mission. This expansion begins our journey to the next 1,000 participants and celebrates the University’s commitment to economic and community development throughout the state.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome the Charleston Area as the newest Ascend WV community,” said Chelsea Ruby, Cabinet Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Tourism. “Our capital city offers the best of both worlds – vibrant arts, culture and dining along with quick access to incredible outdoor recreation. Charleston’s energy and warmth not only draw visitors in, but also inspire them to stay, making it the perfect place for remote workers to put down roots and join the growing family of Ascend members who are calling West Virginia home.”
“Bringing Ascend WV to the Charleston Area is an incredible opportunity to strengthen our economy and support local businesses across our communities. As more professionals and their families choose to make our Mountain State home, they will bring new talent, ideas, and energy that benefit the entire region. This program builds on the investments we are already making in our Capital City and throughout our surrounding communities — ensuring that both new residents and long-time West Virginians benefit from the opportunities it creates. Together, these efforts will grow our business community, expand economic development, and continue to showcase our region as a vibrant place to live, work, and play,” said Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin, City of Charleston
“We are thrilled that the Charleston area and Kanawha County have been chosen as the newest location for the Ascend WV program. This initiative is a game-changer for our community, helping us address population loss while showcasing the incredible outdoor opportunities that make West Virginia such a special place to live and work. By attracting and retaining young professionals, including our college graduates, Ascend WV will strengthen our economy, create vibrant communities, and enhance the quality of life for all residents. Kanawha County welcomes this forward-thinking effort to grow West Virginia’s future,” said Kanawha County Commissioners Ben Salango, Lance Wheeler & Natalie Tenant.
“The Ascend WV program is a national leader in talent attraction, boasting a 97% retention rate and serving as the first program of its kind to expand statewide. The Charleston Area Alliance is proud to be part of this initiative and looks forward to welcoming more workers, families, and opportunities to the Kanawha Valley. This is a vital effort to strengthen our business community, and we are grateful to join the Ascend WV team,” said Ellen Cappellanti (WVU ’77, WVU Law ’80), Board Chair, Charleston Area Alliance, and Member, Jackson Kelly PLLC.
“With a $500 million economic impact and nearly 1,000 new West Virginians brought to the state in 2 years, we are thankful to join the Ascend WV team and help bring this same level of success to the Charleston Area. This partnership represents the pinnacle of collaboration and operational excellence, addressing one of our state’s most persistent challenges – population loss. Ascend WV shows that when West Virginians work together, we turn our challenges into opportunities,” said Mara Boggs (WVU ’98), President & CEO, Charleston Area Alliance and Chamber of Commerce.
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