Middle College FAQs

The program is open to youth aged 16 and older who are currently in West Virginia foster care. 

Participants live on Fairmont State University’s campus seven days per week year-round in Prichard Hall.

Our first cohort (for Fall 2024) will be between 25-30 students. Eventually, the program will educate and house 100 participants.

Students earn both a high school diploma and a specialized Associate of Arts degree, or college credit toward a bachelor’s degree.

Tuition, fees and campus living are 100% supported by federal and state sources for attending students. Community based support services and 24/7 on campus support are provided at no cost for attending students. We are also engaging in a robust national fundraising effort.  

Current program funding will pay for the hiring of specially-trained supervisory residence hall staff. KVC West Virginia is a Middle College partner and will provide specialized supervisory staff, case managers, residence hall staff, and therapists.

No new faculty will need to be hired for this program, and no resources will be taken from academic units to fund the Middle College program.

Participants earn credits toward their high school degree AND a specially-designed Associate of Arts degree via taking existing college courses at Fairmont State. The curriculum follows West Virginia's requirements, which require a minimum of 22 credits for high school graduation. This includes credits in the areas of English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, Health, and the Arts, along with electives.

Fairmont State’s expert teacher-mentors instruct participants.

Residence halls are locked, secured and monitored 24/7. Campus police and residence hall staff are available around the clock, and uniformed officers provide 24-hour patrol protection throughout the campus including residence halls, parking lots, and other facilities.

Participants have access to health services including treatment of minor illnesses, immunizations, allergy injections, physical exams and reproductive health services.

The unique needs of Middle College students are a top priority. Through their partnership, Fairmont State University and KVC West Virginia ensure that Middle College participants have access to trauma-informed staff, counselors, and case managers to promote safety, permanency, and well-being while and addressing any behavioral or mental health needs.

Participants are supported by a West Virginia certified Special Education teacher to ensure educational needs are met.

Participants have personalized living spaces that promote independence and communal living.

Participants have organized weekend and holiday activities to ensure engagement throughout the entire year.

Youth who have experienced foster care face extraordinary obstacles in attaining quality secondary and postsecondary educations. These challenges intensify even more for youth who have experienced foster care throughout West Virginia.

Coupled with the lack of financial resources, lack of access to technology and high-speed internet, and a lack of guidance and mentorship, these combined obstacles translate into difficulty in finding and holding gainful employment upon leaving the education system. 

West Virginia has reached a critical juncture in serving the needs of youth in our state.  The COVID-19 pandemic that ravaged our communities, the substance use disorder epidemic that has impacted many lives, and a variety of socioeconomic factors have led to extraordinary rates of families involved with the child welfare system. Increasingly adverse economic and societal factors make supporting youth who have experienced foster care even more urgent.