On June 3rd, 2021, Brad D. Smith appeared on the the Mountaineer Media Podcast, a…
First Ascent is Taking West Virginia to New Heights
West Virginia has always been a state known for its rugged beauty, rich history, and resilient people. However, the state faces a pressing challenge: retaining its young talent. Many graduates leave to pursue opportunities elsewhere, contributing to the state’s population decline. In response to this, West Virginia University (WVU) President Gordan Gee and Marshall University President Brad D. Smith launched First Ascent, a new initiative designed to help recent graduates build successful careers within the state while staying close to the communities they know and love.
Community, Purpose, and the Outdoors
First Ascent is one of the latest endeavors built upon the success of the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative (OEDC) and the state Department of Tourism’s Ascend WV program, both made possible by the Wing 2 Wing Foundation. The program is specifically designed to set participants on paths to successful remote and hybrid careers in West Virginia, directly tackling the population loss that has long affected the state.
“What we have done in West Virginia is we exported coal, oil, gas, but the most telling export has been of talent,” Gee said. “We simply have to make sure that now what we do is we keep our talent here.”
First Ascent focuses on providing current students and recent graduates from both Marshall and West Virginia Universities with a wide range of incentives to help them build a thriving career in the Mountain State. The requirements to apply are simple: participants need only to accept a role for a company based in the state or a remote role out-of-state while living in one of First Ascent’s community hubs, which include Morgantown, Huntington, the Eastern Panhandle, Greater Elkins, and the Greenbrier Valley.
An alum of both WVU and Marshall University, Brad has been recognized for his contributions to expanding education throughout the state and continues championing initiatives supporting West Virginia’s growth and development.
“This next generation is looking to us,” Brad said. “We have the opportunity to help them see that the future is right here. If they can connect to meaningful job opportunities right here, then let’s offer them those job opportunities…let’s get creative and innovative and remove the barriers so that our sons and daughters can stay here in this state, stand on the shoulders of the giants who sit in this room and continue to build a great State of West Virginia.”
The two-year program is designed to ensure individuals from West Virginia’s universities can launch their careers with confidence, taking advantage of co-working spaces, outdoor adventure, and community support. The program dedicates a career specialist to participants to help them find remote or hybrid job opportunities, as well as 24/7 access to outdoor gear libraries, social activities like bike nights and paint nights, and a year-long mentorship program. Students in their final semester at either university or those within two years of graduation can apply.
A Year of Statewide Impact
Since its inception in 2023, First Ascent has successfully connected current and future students and graduates from WVU and Marshall University with job opportunities across West Virginia.
Participants have established themselves in the state’s vibrant community hubs: Morgantown, Huntington, Greater Elkins, the Eastern Panhandle, and the Greenbrier Valley. These communities have served as home bases, providing essential resources and support to help participants launch and grow their careers in the state they call home.
Brad further highlighted the importance of the program, saying, “When we started with Ascend, the goal was to bring people to West Virginia—either for the first time or as returners. With First Ascent, we’re working to keep our graduates in-state by positioning West Virginia as a hub for remote workers who can find success in the increasingly digital world while supporting overall state economic growth.”
A Testament to Collaboration
The first year of First Ascent has demonstrated the power of collaboration. By working together, WVU, Marshall University, the OEDC, and the Wing 2 Wing Foundation have created a program that not only addresses the immediate need for talent retention but also lays the groundwork for long-term economic development in West Virginia. First Ascent’s focus on mentorship, professional development, and community engagement has already proven effective, with local businesses reporting increased innovation and productivity as a result of their involvement with First Ascent participants.
Continuing the Ascent
As First Ascent continues to evolve, the program’s impact on West Virginia is expected to grow alongside it. The foundation laid in 2023 has set a strong precedent for future cohorts to take advantage of the program, and the ongoing support from WVU, Marshall University, the OEDC, and the Wing 2 Wing Foundation will ensure it remains a cornerstone of West Virginia’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life for its residents.
As we look to the future, it is clear that First Ascent is more than just a program; it’s a movement transforming West Virginia one young professional at a time. The journey has only just begun, and the ascent continues, bringing hope and opportunity to the Mountain State.