It is wonderful to see students get real-world experience in their chosen fields while helping others in need at the same time. West Virginia Northern Community College HVAC students are doing just that right now in flood-affected areas of Ohio County.

Those devastating June floods destroyed dozens of homes. Those homeowners are trying to rebuild, and in many of those domiciles, new heating and air conditioning units are necessary.

Professional contractors can’t keep up with all the need, so WVNCC students are jumping in to help install those units.

“The students get to learn how to do things correctly, and we’re helping the community by doing that,” said John Labriola, program director for the HVAC department at WVNCC. “We’re not trying to take any work away from local contractors. But they couldn’t do everything and we stepped in to help.”

These students aren’t just getting lessons in how to install equipment. They’re also getting very valuable lessons in how to be good neighbors and caring community members. These Ohio County residents are going through the toughest time in their lives. These WVNCC students are helping them through it. It’s a shining example of exactly what higher education can be.