Fairmont State Celebrates First High School Graduates of Groundbreaking Middle College Program for Foster Youth

Fairmont State University had much to celebrate on August 21 as the first three students in the Middle College at Fairmont State University program earned their high school diplomas. During a ceremony in the Falcon Center Conference Rooms, Rowin Wheeler, Cyrus Frame, and Jonathan Shirkey were recognized for this achievement. The graduates will remain in the program as they work toward earning their associate degrees. 

“I am incredibly proud of these students and all they have accomplished,” said Fairmont State University President Mike Davis. “Their achievement is a powerful example of what can happen when we invest in people and provide them with the support they need to thrive. They have embraced every opportunity available to them, made tremendous progress in their educational journeys, and demonstrated remarkable determination along the way. I am excited to see what the future holds for each of them, and I look forward to celebrating another major milestone when they complete their associate degrees and walk across the commencement stage this December. They all have very bright futures!” 

Middle College allows students to complete the requirements for a high school diploma while simultaneously earning college credit toward an associate degree. Coursework includes English, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, health, the arts, and electives. Among the graduates, favorite subjects ranged from psychology and mathematics to the arts. 

“Art is my favorite subject,” Frame said. “The art classes feel a lot more close-knit than my other classes.” 

Fairmont State established the Middle College in partnership with KVC West Virginia and the West Virginia Schools of Diversion and Transition to serve youth who have experienced foster care. The program is the first of its kind in West Virginia and the first in the nation dedicated exclusively to supporting foster youth through a college-based educational model. Open to 11th and 12th grade students, the program fulfills state high school graduation requirements while providing a pathway to an associate degree. 

 Students in the Middle College program benefit from off-campus housing, meal services, transportation assistance, individualized academic support, flexible scheduling, and other resources designed to promote student success. Participants also have access to KVC West Virginia services, including mental health counseling, life skills workshops, and social-emotional learning opportunities. 

“Middle College is about more than providing students with access to higher education. It is about ensuring they have the support, resources, and encouragement they need to succeed,” said Emily Swain, Director of Middle College. “Our students are navigating the transition to adulthood while often managing the unique challenges associated with foster care and other out-of-home experiences.” 

Swain emphasized that the program's comprehensive support network helps students build the skills and confidence needed to thrive both in college and beyond. 

“Through consistent mentorship, academic guidance, access to critical resources, and a community that believes in them, we help students build confidence, develop independence, and recognize their potential,” Swain said. “That support can make the difference between simply enrolling in college and truly feeling a sense of belonging, believing in their ability to succeed, and creating a future they can be proud of.” 

In addition to regular Middle College programming, participants are encouraged to engage in campus life through clubs, inamural sports, theater, and other extracurricular activities that support personal growth and a well-rounded college experience. 

“Fairmont State inspired me to do theater, which taught me to show up when it mattered most and how to show up even when I don’t want to,” Shirkey said. 

By earning their high school diplomas through the program, the students have also completed substantial college coursework toward an associate degree. Wheeler, Frame, and Shirkey are expected to complete their associate degrees and participate in Fairmont State's December commencement ceremony. 

“I am excited to get my associate’s degree in December and prepare for my future,” Wheeler said. “I didn’t want to go to college before this, so this helped set a path for me. I feel like it helped me get out of trouble and start a new path.” 

As the first graduates of the Middle College at Fairmont State University program, Wheeler, Frame, and Shirkey have helped demonstrate the transformative impact of expanding access to education and support services for foster youth. To learn more about Middle College at Fairmont State University, visit www.fairmontstate.edu/middle-college/default.aspx.