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Bridging West Virginia’s
Employment Gap
HEATHER FOSTER
DANA MYSLINSKY BRYANT
At a time when transitioning to West Virginia’s new economy
and retaining young talent are of critical concern to decision
makers and businesses alike, connecting private sector employ-
ers with West Virginia’s national service alumni, such as Ameri-
Corps volunteers, is a viable opportunity that could be a game
changer for the Mountain State.
According to a recent report from the West Virginia University
Bureau of Business and Economic Research, West Virginia faces
an uphill battle in keeping people in the state. Projections indicate
the state may lose 20,000 people by the year 2030. Many of those
leaving are educated young adults. By 2030, nearly one in four
West Virginians will be at or near retirement age. However, ac-
cording to the same report, there is still time to improve popula-
tion migration patterns in West Virginia’s favor, and both public
and business policies can make a positive impact.
“We’re an impact generation, drawn to social enterprise and
a triple bottom line, eager to solve complex problems with new
technology, ideas and creativity,” says Natalie Roper, executive
director of Generation West Virginia, a statewide organization
dedicated to attracting, retaining and advancing young talent
in the state. “West Virginia has some complex problems that
could benefit from the entrepreneurial minds of this generation,
but many leave the state due to a perception that West Virginia
is not open to change, innovation, new ideas or solutions.”
The problem is two-fold: businesses need a highly skilled work
force to operate, and West Virginia either needs an influx of young
professionals or a way to retain its graduates. An ideal solution
would involve both a pipeline of qualified candidates and com-
munities that draw young people here to live, work and serve.
An Available Talent Pool
Believe it or not, a pool of highly skilled, exceptionally quali-
fied candidates does exist and is already available and present
in West Virginia. As of October 2016, AmeriCorps had more
than 1 million alumni nationally. Approximately 1,000 serve
in West Virginia each year, creating a group of leaders primed
for employment opportunities.
AmeriCorps members engage in community service through
approved short-term and yearlong national service positions.
Upon successful completion of their service, they
earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award from ExEdge
the National Service Trust, which they can use Volunteers
to pay for higher education expenses or apply to donated 39.3
million hours
qualified student loans.
In West Virginia, AmeriCorps members provide of service to
West Virginia
direct and indirect services to hundreds of non- in 2015.
profits, schools and public service agencies. Each
member supports an important community-based Source:
www.volunteer
initiative and must successfully complete all the wv.org
terms of their contract. Programs focus on K-12
mentoring, literacy, health and community and economic de-
velopment initiatives. One program recruits military veterans
who provide housing and employment services to their peers as
they transition back to civilian life or into sustainable housing.
Mikel Herrington, acting chief of staff for the Corpora-
tion for National and Community Service, says AmeriCorps
members possess the skills and characteristics that make them
ideal to address some of West Virginia’s most pressing issues.
“Their selflessness and willingness to answer any challenge
inspires those they work alongside, as well as the communi-
ties they serve. These motivated, outcome-oriented and inno-
vative young leaders are tremendous assets for all who call the
Mountain State home.”
EXECUTIVE EXCLUSIVE
More than 1,000
AmeriCorps
volunteers serve
West Virginia
every year.
To learn more about West Virginia’s
AmeriCorps volunteers, check out
Service Spotlight, a series of volunteer
spotlights at www.wvexecutive.com/
category/executive-exclusives.
WWW.WVEXECUTIVE.COM
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