West Virginia Higher Education Commission Awarded $9 Million for ACE WV Initiative
The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission has been awarded $9 million over five years to launch Advancing College Education in West Virginia, a statewide initiative intended to help 3,600 students annually prepare for college, career training and the workforce.

Bluefield Beckley Oak Hill, WV, October 16, 2026 —
The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission has been awarded $9 million over five years to launch a statewide education initiative intended to help students prepare for college, career training and the workforce.
The program, called Advancing College Education in West Virginia, or ACE WV, is expected to serve 3,600 students annually. It will focus on low-income students and students who would be the first in their families to attend college.
ACE WV will involve partnerships with six state universities and reach middle and high schools in 20 West Virginia counties. The initiative is designed to connect students with preparation for education and training after high school, as well as the workforce.
Details provided about the award do not identify its funding source or the date it was made. The names of the six participating universities and the 20 counties were also not specified. Information about the activities students will take part in, how the initiative will be implemented, and how its results will be assessed was not provided.
The award covers five years, while the stated target of 3,600 students is an annual figure. No further breakdown of the funding or annual participation was included in the announcement details. The commission is the organization named to lead the initiative.
Story summarized from the original created by Brandy Lawrence on woay.com, see more information here.
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