The West Virginia Public Education Collaborative was recognized for its role in driving workforce development throughout the Mountain State during the November Small Communities, BIG Solutions Conference in Charleston.
The Conference’s “Power of Performance Awards” recognize individuals, employers, nonprofits, organizations and institutions who are driving success in West Virginia.
The WVPEC was recognized as one of two organizations in the “Putting People to Work” category, which aims to showcase programs that are successfully connecting workers with employers who are hiring.
As a collaborative comprised of state and national education and business leaders, the WVPEC remains steadfastly committed to championing public education in West Virginia. Since its inception six years ago, all initiatives, projects and partnerships strive to help West Virginia’s next generation reach their full potential in the K-12 education system through higher education while preparing them to meet the world’s ever-evolving workforce demands.
Ongoing programs, such as Sparking Early Literacy Growth in West Virginia, the STEAM Technical Assistance Center at WVU and Remake Learning Days in West Virginia, support students in developing the literacy, problem-solving and collaboration skills needed to be successful in the workplace. In addition, the WVPEC’s K-12 Speakers Bureau helps introduce students to career opportunities right here in West Virginia.
Annual events, such as the Legislators’ Forum on Education and the Economy and Focus Forward: Preparing Today for the West Virginia of Tomorrow, engage educators, policymakers and business leaders in discussions about the role of education in workforce development.
Donna Hoylman Peduto, executive director of the WVPEC, said this recent recognition honors the ongoing impact of the WVPEC.
“We are honored to be one of two organizations recognized for driving forward success in West Virginia,” Peduto said. “This award will help us continue the momentum as we strive to transform the lives of West Virginia’s students through innovative programming.”
The West Virginia Public Education Collaborative changes the lives of West Virginia students, educators and families every day through its statewide outreach efforts, innovative programming and unique engagement opportunities. Driven to build a stronger pipeline between preK-12 through higher education and beyond, the WVPEC continues to forge strategic statewide partnerships that advance innovative approaches to learning at all levels.
The Small Communities, BIG Solutions Conference is is sponsored by United Bank, Rate One Computing, Appalachian Power, AARP West Virginia, GRAIL, Boone Memorial Health, West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services, West Virginia American Water, Marshall Health, Kroger, Marshall MURC, the West Virginia Community Development Hub and the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine.