CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – TechConnect West Virginia has been awarded a grant from the Truist Foundation to launch the gener8tor x TCWV Skills Accelerator program in partnership with Generation WV. Building off the success of Tech Connect and Generation WV’s Tech-Industry job board, the initiative will provide low-income West Virginians with training in high-demand digital skills to secure well-paying employment in the technology sector.
The gener8tor Skills Accelerator is a virtual workforce development training program designed to support graduates in obtaining high-quality jobs in diverse, professional workplaces. The program specifically targets underemployed and unemployed individuals, with a focus on people of color and women, helping them secure meaningful employment in technology, insurance, professional services, and other sectors requiring technical and administrative expertise.
Participants in the gener8tor x TCWV program will receive training in IT Foundations and Customer Service, with additional modules covering generative AI applications and business essential skills as needed. As part of the program, participants will prepare for and take the CompTIA Tech+ certification exam, earning an industry-recognized credential that validates their foundational technology skills. Upon completion, graduates will be positioned for professional roles that offer competitive salaries and career advancement opportunities.
Ariana Shives, Executive Director of TechConnect, said, “This partnership and generous support from the Truist Foundation will help us open doors to meaningful, well-paying careers for West Virginians who are too often overlooked in the digital economy. By equipping participants with in-demand IT and AI skills, we’re not just helping individuals improve their economic standing, we’re building a more resilient, tech-enabled workforce to power West Virginia’s growth for years to come.”
Tracy Samples, Interim Executive Director of Generation WV, said, “We’re proud to partner with TechConnect West Virginia on this important initiative that directly invests in our state’s most valuable resource – our people. The Skills Accelerator will empower participants with tools and training to secure career opportunities that allow them to thrive right here at home, creating stronger families and stronger communities across the state.”
Anne Nadel, Vice President of gener8tor Skills shared, “We’re thrilled to bring the gener8tor Skills Accelerator to West Virginia for the first time alongside TechConnect West Virginia and Generation WV. With support from the Truist Foundation, we’re expanding access to practical, job-ready training that helps West Virginians move into stable, well-paying careers.”
The program represents a collaborative effort to address West Virginia’s workforce challenges while creating pathways to economic mobility for residents facing financial barriers to career advancement.
For more information about the gener8tor x TCWV Skills Accelerator program, visit https://www.gener8tor.com/skills/west-virginia or contact skills@gener8tor.com.
For more information on TechConnect, visit TechConnectWV.org or contact the organization atariana@techconnectwv.org.
