An On-Campus, Dual-Degree Academic Program for High School Youth in Foster Care

At KVC West Virginia, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. That’s why we’ve partnered with Fairmont State University, Marion County Schools, and the West Virginia Schools for Diversion and Transition to create Middle College at Fairmont State University. Middle College is more than just an academic program; it acts as a crucial bridge between high school and college, and is exclusively dedicated to serving the unique needs of youth in West Virginia foster care.

Upon graduation, Middle College students will earn both a high school diploma and a two-year associate degree (or 2 years of college credit toward a bachelor’s degree).

In American education, middle colleges are recognized as innovative programs that empower high school students to earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree or college credit toward a bachelor’s degree. What sets this program apart is our commitment to creating a supportive and nurturing environment for youth in foster care. Our dedicated team walks alongside students, creating an atmosphere where they not only excel academically but also navigate the challenges of adolescence and higher education with confidence.

What is Middle College at Fairmont State University?

Middle College at Fairmont State University is a specialized on-campus program created exclusively for West Virginia youth in foster care. If you or someone you know is 16 years old or older and ready to embark on a life-changing academic journey, explore Middle College at Fairmont State University!

Some key features of Middle College at Fairmont State University include:

• The program is open to youth ages 16 and older who are currently in West Virginia foster care.
• Participants live on Fairmont State’s cozy campus year-round.
• All tuition, fees, and campus living expenses are fully funded.
• KVC West Virginia provides community-based support services, including mental health therapy and 24/7 on-campus supervision.
• Students who graduate from Middle College will be better prepared to enter the job market or continue their college education.

Who is Eligible?

Youth are not automatically accepted into Middle College at Fairmont State University. A team of professionals from multiple entities are involved in the admissions process to ensure that youth who enter Middle College are adequately prepared.

To participate in Middle College at Fairmont State University, a student must:

• be 16 years old or older;
• currently be in West Virginia foster care;
• get referred by Child Protective or Youth Services or another supportive adult (e.g., a Department of Human Services (formerly DHHR) case worker, a parent or relative caregiver, a teacher, a school guidance counselor, and/or a child placing agency worker);
• meet academic requirements and complete the Middle College Prep Program that involves virtual and in-person sessions to review social/emotional learning and academic readiness; and
• demonstrate interest in and ability to successfully complete Middle College.

Youth who have already obtained their high school diploma or GED are not eligible.

Middle College Admissions Process

To move forward in the Middle College admissions process, youth must ask a supportive adult to fill out this form and then successfully complete the required prospect and candidate processes, including the Middle College Prep Program.

The Middle College Prep Program is a hybrid online and in-person learning experience for Middle College candidates. Candidates will participate in virtual and in-person sessions focused on:

• Assessing academic readiness and personal accountability
• Teaching independent living and executive functioning skills
• Developing resilience & social and emotional learning skills
• Building a strong on-campus community with Middle College peers and supportive professionals

Upon completion of the Middle College Prep Program, the Admissions Panel reviews Middle College candidate applications to ensure they meet basic program requirements and are academically, socially and emotionally prepared to move forward as Middle College students. Candidates who finish the Middle College Prep Program and meet other program requirements will receive a written offer of admission.

Throughout the entire process, KVC staff support candidates and help them tackle any challenges they might face. Our goal is for every candidate to become a Middle College student, but if a candidate isn’t quite ready, we’ll make sure they know their status and connect them with other programs to get the educational support they need.

Learn More or Apply to Middle College

Ready to begin this exciting journey? If you want to learn more about Middle College, please visit Fairmont State University’s website. Note that you must be 18 years or older to fill out the form. If you are under 18, have your parent, caregiver, or another supportive adult fill out the form on your behalf.

If you’re not sure if you or a youth you know is eligible, please contact us.

What to Know About Choosing Middle College

Middle College at Fairmont State University is an opportunity that teens must choose for themselves—it’s not a program a judge or caseworker can assign. It’s also not a transitional living program or a high school on a college campus. Teens who choose to attend Middle College are committing to the challenge. Middle College students are expected to stay on top of advanced academics, get involved in campus life, and follow the structured living environment. It’s a great opportunity for youth in foster care, but it takes dedication and responsibility to succeed.

What Makes Middle College at Fairmont State University Unique?

We recognize the unique challenges that youth in foster care may encounter on their journey to success. In West Virginia, youth in foster care have significantly lower high school graduation rates compared to youth who haven’t experienced foster care. Only 62% of youth in foster care graduate high school, in contrast to 91% of youth with no foster care involvement. Nationwide, only 3% of youth who have experienced foster care graduate college.

Without proper support, youth who grow up in foster care often experience:

• Additional trauma
• Low educational attainment
• High rates of young parenthood
• Unemployment
• Homelessness
• And other life challenges

KVC’s dedicated team of residence hall staff, case managers, therapists, and specialized supervisory staff, provides 24/7 on-campus supervision, support and mentorship. We advocate and provide for Middle College students’ academic and therapeutic needs to ensure they can achieve their dreams.

Once youth graduate from Middle College, they’ll have a high school diploma and an associate degree that can propel them to additional college education, vocational training or a fulfilling career.

Middle College Curriculum

Participants at Middle College embark on a unique academic journey where they not only earn credits toward their high school degree but also pursue a two-year associate degree. The curriculum aligns with West Virginia’s high school graduation requirements, which require a minimum of 22 credits.

This comprehensive curriculum covers a variety of subjects, including:

• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social studies
• Physical education
• Health
• The arts
• Electives

Through this carefully crafted academic approach and Fairmont State’s highly qualified instructors, Middle College ensures that students not only meet state graduation standards but also gain a robust foundation for future academic and career plans.

Life at Fairmont State University

Middle College at Fairmont State University is about more than academics. With on- and off-campus activities, it provides a well-rounded experience that enriches Middle College students’ lives. Here’s what Middle College students can look forward to:

• Advanced academics
• A safe, secure, supportive living environment with multiple daily check-ins, nightly curfew and nightly check-ins, and a dedicated residence hall staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by professionals trained to support youth who have experienced foster care
• Access to Fairmont State events like student life activities, performing arts, and sports
• Use of the Falcon Center for recreation and fitness
• Special activities just for Middle College students

Program Partners

Fairmont State is a comprehensive, regional university that has been transforming lives and communities for over 150 years. Fairmont State offers over 40 degree programs and over 100 fields of study in the arts, humanities and sciences, aviation, engineering and technology, teacher education, nursing, and business administration.

Learn more at fairmontstate.edu.

The West Virginia Schools of Diversion and Transition provides educational services to over 6,000 juveniles and adults in residential and other state-operated facilities. The State Department of Education and the State Board of Education have assumed an important role in protecting the constitutional rights of this population by providing programs and services that help change their lives. Learn more at here.

Marion County Schools’ mission is to develop, promote, and implement the understanding of “all means all, and that is all that all means” in achieving, learning, and lifelong success.

Learn more at marionboe.com

To support this program and Middle College students, consider making a donation at kvcwv.org/donate.