The counties are McDowell, Logan, Boone, Kanawha, Clay, Jackson and Lewis.
Marshall University President Brad D. Smith made the announcement during the 88th Annual West Virginia Chamber of Commerce Business Summit at The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, saying the program will help reduce barriers to education and builds on the Marshall For All, Marshall Forever initiative.
The “Jobs for West Virginia Graduates” (JWVG) is a program under the West Virginia Chamber Foundation and assists middle and high school students with barriers to their success.
Elizabeth House is the executive director of the chamber foundation.
“It is a tremendous honor that JWVG students will be the next cohort to receive automatic admission and career services support,” House said. “Our students are eager to further their education, find meaningful careers and contribute to the success of West Virginia. The partnership between Marshall University and The West Virginia Chamber Foundation’s ‘Jobs for West Virginia’s Graduates’ program is a testament to the innovation, compassion, dedication and leadership of Marshall University and their commitment to West Virginia.”
The initiative is modeled after a similar one Marshall has with Cabell and Wayne counties.