MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The sweeping education bill passed earlier this year directed the governor to increase enrollment in the ChalleNGe Academy to 600 students and open another location in Fayette County. However, the legislature did not provide any funding for the proposal.
Vice president of strategic initiatives with WVU Rob Alsop said,”They had a lot on their plate with K through 12 education reform. They may have wanted some additional information, they may have just said sharpen your pencils and come back. The National Guard has continued to have conversations with the legislature on how we get to a good place and make that ChalleNGe Academy a reality.”
WVU is considering allocating buildings from the West Virginia Institute of Technology campus in Montgomery.
Alsop said,”We’re a willing partner in terms of working with them for the buildings and as far as transfer of the property to the appropriate folks, so we’re very willing to work with them.”
There is one ChalleNGe Academy in Preston County. The volunteer program is designed for students from 16 to 18-years-old who need more structure. The 22-week quasi-military program helps at-risk students meet graduation requirements.