Midland Trail High School & New River Gorge Convention and Visitors Bureau (North of the New)

Fayette County

Midland Trail High School’s partnership with the New River Gorge Convention and Visitors Bureau engages students in authentic community-based projects that address real tourism and safety challenges. Students designed and launched the “North of the New” tourism scavenger hunt and hosted a community open house that brought together hundreds of stakeholders to address traffic safety concerns. Through these projects, students develop communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills while seeing their ideas implemented in the community. The partnership transforms classrooms into applied learning environments where students contribute meaningful solutions that benefit both the local economy and the community.

Partnership Area(s) of Focus:  Academic  (Reading,Math, Financial literacy etc.), Career Exploration (Speaking, Presentations/Tours), Career Readiness (Internships, Work-based Learning)

Wyoming County Career and Technical Center & Boyd CAT Machinery

Wyoming County

The partnership between Wyoming County Career and Technical Center and Boyd CAT Machinery provides diesel technology students with a direct pathway from education to employment. Industry representatives regularly visit the school to discuss career opportunities, recruit students for training programs, and provide job-shadowing experiences. Students can earn paid work-based learning opportunities while completing their training and pursuing an associate degree with minimal debt. Boyd CAT supports the program through equipment donations, diagnostic tools, engines, and industry expertise, ensuring students train on current technology. With many graduates securing long-term employment through the program, the partnership has become a powerful recruitment tool and a highly successful model for workforce development.

Partnership Area(s) of Focus:  Career Exploration (Speaking, Presentations/Tours), Career Readiness (Internships, Work-based Learning), School Strategic Plan/Advisory Participation

Point Pleasant Jr./Sr. High School & Nucor West Virginia

Mason County

Point Pleasant Jr./Sr. High School’s partnership with Nucor West Virginia gives students opportunities to participate in innovative STEM and Project Lead the Way activities connected to manufacturing and engineering. Students worked with Nucor on the first-ever collaboration of its kind, gaining hands-on experience solving problems and applying technical skills in a real-world context. Nucor provides mentorship, project guidance, and industry expertise, helping students better understand modern manufacturing careers. This partnership strengthens student interest in STEM fields while connecting classroom learning to the needs of local employers.

Partnership Area(s) of Focus:  Career Exploration (Speaking, Presentations/Tours), Career Readiness (Internships, Work-based Learning)

Putnam Career and Technical Center & Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia 

Putnam County

Putnam Career and Technical Center and Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia have created a strong workforce pipeline that connects students directly to high-demand manufacturing careers. Toyota plays an active role by providing mentorship, curriculum input, facility tours, equipment support, and paid internships, while PCTC aligns its technical programs to industry needs and prepares students with career-ready skills. The results are impressive: in just three years, 17 of 20 graduates have secured employment with Toyota, and additional seniors are currently completing paid internships. Through grant funding, industry-grade equipment, and ongoing collaboration, students graduate with technical skills, certifications, and direct pathways into well-paying careers. This partnership stands out because it goes far beyond a traditional advisory role—Toyota helped build the program from the ground up and remains deeply involved in ensuring student success.

Partnership Area(s) of Focus:  Career Exploration (Speaking, Presentations/Tours), Career Readiness (Internships, Work-based Learning), Social Emotional (Mentoring)

Calhoun County Middle/High School & Minnie Hamilton Health System

Calhoun County

Calhoun County Middle/High School and Minnie Hamilton Health System have developed an innovative partnership that brings medical and dental care directly into the school building. Minnie Hamilton provides on-site healthcare professionals and equipment, while the school coordinates scheduling, space, and support so students can receive care without missing significant class time. This partnership has improved attendance, reduced barriers related to transportation and family schedules, and helped identify health concerns before they become more serious. By offering preventive care, screenings, and treatment within the school, the partnership supports both student wellness and academic success. Its fully integrated, student-centered approach makes it a powerful example of how rural schools can creatively meet the needs of students and families.

Partnership Area(s) of Focus: Social Emotional (Mentoring)

Madison Elementary School & West Liberty University College of Education and Human Performance

Ohio County

Madison Elementary School and West Liberty University’s College of Education and Human Performance have created a meaningful literacy partnership centered around handwritten pen pal exchanges between elementary students and preservice teachers. Over the course of a year, students and university partners exchange weekly letters, building writing skills, confidence, and personal connections. Elementary students become more motivated to write and communicate, while university students gain valuable experience working with children and understanding literacy development. The partnership is supported through university funding, materials, books, and campus visits that strengthen the experience for all participants. Its greatest strength is its revival of authentic, handwritten communication in a digital age, creating memorable and lasting relationships through literacy.

Partnership Area(s) of Focus:  Academic  (Reading,Math, Financial literacy etc.)

Monongalia County Schools & WVU Medicine (MedEd Monongalia County)

Monongalia County

Skyview Elementary School & The Source 

Monongalia County

The partnership between Skyview Elementary and The Source began as a response to food insecurity and has grown into a comprehensive support system for students and families. What started with a weekend lunchbag program has expanded into before- and after-school care, summer camp, academic support, and enrichment opportunities in areas such as STEM, the arts, culinary skills, sports, healthcare, and first responder careers. The Source operates directly within the school, creating a familiar and accessible environment for students while strengthening communication with teachers and families. Funding from private donations, fundraising events like Skyview Gives Back, and initiatives such as Rev’s Brisket & BBQ Food Truck have allowed the organization to continue expanding. Over 15 years, the partnership has grown from serving one school to supporting multiple schools across Monongalia County, becoming a model of how schools and community organizations can work together to combat food insecurity, improve academic achievement, and strengthen family stability.

Partnership Area(s) of Focus:  Academic  (Reading,Math, Financial literacy etc.), Social Emotional (Mentoring), School Strategic Plan/Advisory Participation