WVNCC, Marshall County Board of Education Sign Dual Enrollment Pathway Agreement

Shelley Hanson

The Marshall County Board of Education approved a partnership agreement with West Virginia Northern Community College during its meeting on Tuesday.

The Dual Enrollment Pathway Partnership Agreement will allow students to receive dual credits at their high school and WVNCC in continuing education and training programs.

Daniel Mosser, president of WVNCC, said there is no cost to the student as $4.5 million in funding was set aside by the state Legislature for the pilot program last spring.

"One of the ways this program is different is that it focuses on CTE programs and technical programs," Mosser said.

He noted the students will be simultaneously earning high school and college credits.

"These are real college credits," he added.

Mosser said this is the first Dual Enrollment Pathway Partnership Agreement the college has signed with a school in the Northern Panhandle. He also believes it is the first in the state of West Virginia.

Before the agreement was inked, CTE teacher Bob Wilson talked about the increasing popularity of CTE courses and programs in Marshall County Schools. These can range from welding to nursing.

Superintendent Shelby Haines believes CTE programs are a great way to keep students in school who otherwise might contemplate dropping out.

Board member Lori Kestner said she likes CTE because it keeps students interested in school and also teaches how to enter the workforce.

In other matters, resident Randy Chamberlain talked about the book he is writing related to Moundsville and beyond. He asked the board if he could include a photo of them in the book. The board said OK and he took their photo.

Chamberlain said his book will be published late October or early November.