By JOSELYN KING

Staff Writer

WHEELING — Starting next year, high school juniors in West Virginia will be required to take a personal finance class, and Wheeling Park High School wants to make the second semester a real-life opportunity for work experience.

The Ohio County Board of Education is considering entering into a partnership with Hasule, a locally-based company that matches students’ skills and interests with local employers seeking interns.

Hasule serves as a hub where students can input their interests, strengths and coursework.

Local businesses seeking interns also register online with the hub with the goal of establishing a “talent pipeline.” From here, they would tap students for internships, projects, tours, job shows and volunteer opportunities.

Ohio County Commissioner Zach Abraham; Stephanie Hockenberry, director of growth and retention for Ohio County; and Tissan Joel, owner/founder of Hasule, joined Wheeling Park HIgh School Principal Meredith Dailer at a recent board of education meeting to discuss the merits of such a program.

Dailer said the school is always seeking ways to connect students with real-life job experiences. There have been guest speakers, “lunch and learn” events and internship opportunities for them.

“When this start-up (Hasule) was brought to our attention — and the ability to build it with our kids — it struck a chord with what we were already trying to do,” Dailer told board members.

“The state has now required us to provide a personal finance class. It’s a full year and we really want the second semester to be a personalized project-based experience.”

Abraham explained the Ohio County Development Authority had had a goal of growing and retaining population in Ohio County.

“This is one of our largest initiatives in the county,” he noted.

Hockenberry said Joel has created in Hasule a component for job creation “that was missing in our conversations.”

“Community connections are what makes Wheeling different from other places,” she said. “(Joel) has created quite an amazing platform to help us bring opportunities to students and match students interests with their skillsets and their passions while also helping them to become the best person they can be.

“You all are creating a foundation for them in the school, and this will give them that extra piece.”

Joel is a native of Nigeria who graduated from Wheeling University. He noted Wheeling “is like a home to me.”

“Our mission is to connect students with employers so they can start to figure out what they want to do as they progress through school,” Joel said. “The schools are doing a great job, but there is always room to do more. We can be more greedy. With this platform, we can get all students on and start early.”

David Croft, president of the Ohio County Board of Education, explained the paperwork to partner with Hasule consists of two memorandums of understanding and a contract. As such, members needed time to review the items.

The board is expected to vote on the partnership at its next meeting, set for 6 p.m. on Dec. 22 at the board office, 2203 National Road, Wheeling.