CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – West Virginia Virtual Academy (WVVA) is breaking new ground for online learners with the launch of TechBridge, a career readiness program that blends virtual coursework with in-person technical education across the state.
The initiative is led by Jeremy Greene, WVVA’s Career Readiness Coordinator, who says his role is similar to that of a Career and Technical Education Director in a traditional school. Greene helps manage classes, identify pathways, coordinate dual enrollment, and support teachers while also building partnerships with local technical centers.
“We’ve done this to provide opportunities for students to get the hands-on training that they want in career pathways, apprenticeships, and skilled trades,” Greene said.
How TechBridge Works
Through TechBridge, students continue their core academic classes online while attending a nearby technical center for hands-on training. The program is available as early as eighth grade for students who meet requirements in grades, performance, attendance, and discipline.
Admission into a tech center program is competitive, and WVVA students go through the same application and interview process as their peers in traditional schools. Once accepted, WVVA adjusts schedules to ensure students can complete their core classes while also pursuing fields such as welding, cosmetology, agriculture, diesel mechanics, and carpentry.
“If a student was accepted into the diesel program, we would adjust their schedule,” Greene explained. “They could still take English, math, history, or science while traveling to the tech center in the morning.”
Early Successes
Although TechBridge is in its early stages, Greene says the results have been promising.
“The success of students has been 100%. The kids are earning their credentials and having positive experiences while they’re there,” he said.
One standout is Dean, a tenth grader at WVVA who also attends Mercer County Technical Education Center. His participation in culinary arts through the ProStart program led to an invitation to the prestigious Governor’s School for Tourism—an example of how hybrid learning can open doors to statewide recognition.
Benefits for Students and Families
Greene believes TechBridge addresses one of the biggest challenges facing virtual schools: access to hands-on learning.
“Some of the perceived limitations about virtual education have been, ‘Where are the opportunities to get the vocational skills I want?’ Through this program, we can ensure all students, no matter their learning environment, have access to the programs they value,” Greene said.
Graduates leave with industry-recognized credentials that can lead directly into the workforce, particularly in high-demand skilled trades. Greene also emphasizes the social benefits of connecting with peers and industry professionals.
Looking Ahead
Before joining WVVA, Greene taught career and technical education in agriculture and carpentry—fields he says are “near and dear” to his heart. Now, he is working to expand TechBridge by deepening relationships with technical centers across the state.
“I think the numbers are going to continue to increase as students are finding us as a viable option,” Greene said. “We’ve created a lot of positive relationships already, and those partnerships are going to continue to grow.”
For Greene, the vision is simple: ensure WVVA students graduate with more than just a diploma—equipped with real-world skills, credentials, and a head start on their future careers.
To learn more about the TechBridge Career Program, visit wvva.k12.com/academics/career-college-prep/tech-bridge-career-program.
