Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College receives grant from West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission
The grant funding will allow the college to establish a new initiative, called Connect, Belong, Succeed, to support first-generation college students.
Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College has received a grant from the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission to support its new Connect, Belong, Succeed initiative aimed at supporting first-generation college students. The new initiative will last throughout the 2026-2027 school year and will focus on creating a community of belonging for first-generation students that sets them up for success.
According to an article on Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College’s website, Elizabeth A. Manuel, who serves as the Interim President of Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College, was quoted as saying of the new initiative, “At Southern, access to college is only the beginning. We have a responsibility to help our students feel that they belong here and make sure they have the support and resources they need to succeed. For a first-generation student, entering college can mean navigating an entirely new environment not only for that student, but often for their family as well. This grant gives us another opportunity to intentionally surround our students with support, connect them to people and resources, and help them build the confidence to persist toward graduation. First-generation students bring tremendous determination, talent and potential to our college. Our goal is to make sure they know they are not navigating this journey alone. We want every student to know that there are people at Southern who believe in them, are ready to help them and want to see them succeed.”
Among the programs and services that will go into effect with the Connect, Belong, Succeed initiative are those that will help students connect with each other and the resources that have been put in place to help first-generation college students succeed. Students will have enhanced opportunities to connect with faculty, staff, and other students, become aware of all the resources available on campus, develop skills that will serve them in their college lives, and participate in activities that will strengthen their sense of belonging.
The overall goal of the initiative is to provide first-generation students with a community and help them along their college journeys to help them succeed.
For more information about Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College, visit the school's website.