FAIRMONT, W.Va. One of the first academic or job training bridges for children aging out of foster care will officially open at Fairmont State University (FSU) Friday.
Middle College is an FSU joint venture with KVC-West Virginia, a behavioral health organization dedicated to the welfare of children. KVC West Virginia can offer educational support, adoption, mental health therapy, and in-home family services.
The inaugural dean of the college is 2006 FSU graduate Emily Swain, who has worked with area non-profits and in economic development over the last decade.
The first cohort of 18 students will live full-time on the FSU campus while pursuing a high school diploma and an associate’s degree. The students will have the college atmosphere, including sporting events, the performing arts, student life activities, and access to the Falcon Center recreational facilities.
“Our goal is to provide a safe, stable environment for these students,” Swain said. “And give them the opportunity to obtain a high school diploma and an associates degree through Fairmont State University at the same time.”
Swain said over the holidays, when the campus can be empty, the Middle College and support buildings will be open. The KVC staff will be available to the students as they continue working toward their goals.
“KVC has staff onsite in the dorms 365 days, 24-hours a day, so students are well taken care of throughout the day,” Swain said. “The dining facilities and campus facilities will be open to them on those holidays that they are traditionally closed.”
As the students work their way through the program, they’ll be able to decide what they want their next steps to be. Although FSU will be an option, they will have a full list of possibilities depending on what their career choices are.
“All of the Middle College students have guaranteed admissions into a bachelor’s degree program at Fairmont State University,” Swain said. “So, our end goal is to get them into a bachelor’s degree program, whether that’s at Fairmont State University or another institution.”
Swain said the community and several agencies have been very helpful as the project has come together. KVC-West Virginia, West Virginia School for Diversion and Transition, Marion County Schools, and the Department of Health and Human Services have all played major roles in bringing the college online.
“We’ve had so many people and so many people that have been so helpful to this population of students, and I think that’s a testament to the goodness of West Virginia,” Swain said.
The public is welcome to a ribbon cutting that will be held at Prichard Hall Friday at 1:30 p.m.
“These students are so deserving, and they will do such good in the world that I’m so proud to be a part of it,” Swain said.