Gov. Jim Justice attends a ribbon cutting ceremony for Middle College on campus at Fairmont State University on Sept. 20, 2024. (Amelia Ferrell Knisely | West Virginia Watch)
Teens in West Virginia foster care now have the opportunity to live in a supportive environment on campus at Fairmont State University. The innovative program, known as Middle College, allows the students to complete their high school education and earn college credits.
West Virginia has the nation’s highest rate of children coming into foster care, and the largest share of those children are teenagers. Fairmont State University’s program is the first of its kind in the country.
A ribbon cutting ceremony for Middle College was held Friday on campus in front of the dorm where 16 students, beginning at age 15, are now living and participating in the program.
“It is unbelievable what is happening right now, first in the nation … right now in little ole Marion County, West Virginia,” said Gov. Jim Justice, who spoke at the event that was attended by Fairmont State University leadership, members of the Legislature, public school employees and teens participating in the program.
“These kids were dealt a tough card — guaranteed, every single last one. It is unbelievable how proud every single person involved in this should be. I thank everyone for pulling the rope with me and all of us,” Justice continued.
The project received financial support from the governor and state lawmakers.
FSU partnered with child abuse prevention non-profit KVC West Virginia to create “Middle College” on the university’s campus.
West Virginia has struggled to have enough homes for kids in foster care, particularly older teens. There are 5,981 youth in foster care.
The program is open to any West Virginia teen in foster care.
A common area in the dorm for students participating in the Middle College at Fairmont State University. (Amelia Ferrell Knisely | West Virginia Watch)
Middle College offers male and female housing in a dorm on campus, and students have access to a common living area and kitchen. Around-the-clock supervision is provided, program leaders said, and students can participate in activities on campus like intramural sports.
“We know we all need connection. For youth in foster care, the connection is even more important. They need access to caring professionals trying to inform services and opportunities to succeed,” said Brent Lemon, executive vice president of Middle College for KVC. “Middle College is more than just a program. It’s a link to a community, a pathway to opportunity, and a place where young people in foster care can find the connection they need to wrap their stories and begin to fulfill their individual dreams.”
Students are able to complete their needed high school courses on campus. They earn 60 college credits to use at FSU, where they earn automatic enrollment, or at another higher education institution.
“We’re here to celebrate the students that are in the program in the Middle College today. They’re in classes. They’ve been in classes for the last six weeks, and we’re here to celebrate them and their work, as well,” said FSU Provost Dianna Phillips.
Tuition is paid for by federal and state dollars.
As lawmakers have grappled with how to help manage the state’s overwhelmed child welfare system, many said that backing Middle College was an easy decision in an effort to help teens.
“This may be the first one there is in the state of West Virginia, but mark my words, in 10 years, this will be replicated all over the country,” Senate President Craig Blair said.
Middle College is already accepting referrals for the next semester beginning in January.
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