Fairmont State University expands Middle College program

Fairmont State University's Middle College program is being expanded to give more teens in foster care the chance to earn their high school diploma and an associate degree before they age out of the foster care system. With the new expansion, more students are eligible to take part in the program, including students in foster care or those living with a guardian or a relative. The expansion will give more teens the opportunity to complete their high school education and get a head start on their college education.

According to an article on Fairmont State University's website, Emily Swain, the dean of Middle College, explained the expansion and the impact it is expected to have. She is quoted as saying, “We know how important permanency is to youth with experience in care. This expansion will allow students to remain in a supportive environment while pursuing their educational goals. Expanding the program to meet these needs will open the doors for even more students to experience Middle College.”

While previously Middle College required participants to move to Fairmont State University’s campus to live while completing the program, the new expansion has made it possible for the kids to remain in their foster or home environments while still receiving the benefits of the Middle College education. The change was made in order to provide the option to retain the stability of their foster or home environment while still being able to pursue education.

The Middle College program was initially launched through the university’s partnerships with KVC West Virginia and the West Virginia Schools of Diversion and Transition in order to address the significant challenges of education for foster care children and teens. It is reported that there are more than 6,000 kids in foster care throughout the state, with only half of those kids completing a high school diploma and far fewer ever achieving a college degree.

The Middle College program gives foster kids ages 16 to 18 the ability to earn both their diploma and an associate degree before aging out of the foster care system. While previously these students were required to live on campus, they will now have the option to remain in their foster home or remain living with their guardian or relative. Students will have 100% of their tuition, fees, and other associated costs covered by federal or state funding.

According to the Middle College program’s webpage, “Middle College offers a welcoming and supportive environment where teens in West Virginia foster care are surrounded by caring adults who are there to help them reach their goals. Students also connect with peers who share similar experiences, building a strong sense of community.”

Students who participate will not only attend classes but have access to campus amenities and events, outpatient mental health therapy provided by KVC West Virginia, advising, tutoring, and mentoring provided by Fairmont State University and the West Virginia Schools of Diversion and Transition, community support services, and more.

Dr. Mike Davis, the president of Fairmont State University, said, “Programs like Middle College reflect what it truly means to be a public university. We have a responsibility to lift up every student with the potential to succeed—and that includes students who may not have had the support or resources they deserve. When we give them access to education and opportunity, we don’t just change their lives—we strengthen our communities and our state.”

For more information about Fairmont State University, visit the school’s website.