Middle College at Fairmont State University

A Dual-Degree Academic & Support Program for Youth Who Have Experienced 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 and the West Virginia Schools for Diversion and Transition (WVSDT) to create Middle College at Fairmont State University. Middle College is more than an academic program; it acts as a crucial bridge between high school and college, and is dedicated to serving the unique needs of youth who have experienced 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 who have experienced foster care. Our 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 academic and student success support program created exclusively for West Virginia youth who have experienced foster care.

Some key features of Middle College include:

• The program is open to 11th and 12th graders across the state who have experienced foster care.
• Support for youth living in off-campus housing, either in a setting managed by a Middle College partner or with a relative caregiver or foster parent with reliable transportation within driving distance to Fairmont.
• Tuition, fees and housing are 100% supported by federal and state sources for attending students.
• KVC community-based services, including outpatient mental health therapy, as well as Fairmont State and WVSDT academic support are provided at no cost for attending students.
• The curriculum meets West Virginia’s high school graduation requirements, including at least 22 credits. Middle College students take courses in English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, Health, the Arts, and electives to complete their education.
• Middle College students earn both a high school diploma and a two-year associate degree (or 2 years of college credit toward a bachelor’s degree).
• Youth who finish Middle College will be better prepared to enter the job market or continue their college education.

Academics

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 or credits for a four-year degree. The curriculum aligns with West Virginia’s high school graduation requirements, which require a minimum of 22 credits.

Middle College students take courses in English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, Health, the Arts and electives.

Middle College students also benefit from on-campus services designed to support their success, including:

• Specialized advising & tutoring
• Mentorship
• Financial support
• On-campus dining
• Technology support
• Health and wellness counseling
• And more

Housing

Middle College supports youth living in off-campus housing, either in a setting managed by a Middle College partner or with a relative caregiver or foster parent within driving distance of Fairmont. Students in these settings have access to personalized support services, life skills workshops, social-emotional learning activities, and more to help them navigate young adulthood.

When Middle College students turn 18 and remain in good standing with the program, they have the option to transition into an on-campus residence hall at Fairmont State University.

Life at Middle College

Middle College offers a welcoming and supportive environment where youth who have experienced West Virginia foster care are surrounded by caring adults who help them reach their goals. Students also connect with peers who share similar experiences, building a strong sense of community.

With support from Fairmont State, KVC West Virginia, and the West Virginia Schools of Diversion and Transition, Middle College students have the resources and guidance they need to thrive academically and personally.

Here’s what Middle College students can look forward to:

• Advanced academic programming
• Community-based support services, including outpatient mental health therapy, provided by KVC West Virginia
• Academic advising, tutoring and mentoring provided by Fairmont State University and the West Virginia Schools of Diversion and Transition
• An on-campus Middle College student lounge
• On-campus student life activities
• Access to Fairmont State performing arts and athletic events
• Use of Falcon Center recreational services, including the indoor track, swimming pool, treadmills, and more)
• Off-campus group trips to visual and performing arts venues, cities like Pittsburgh or Washington, D.C., athletic events, and outdoor adventures like skiing and whitewater rafting.

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.

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.

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 here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What partner organizations are responsible for what parts of Middle College's operations?

Middle College is a multi-organizational partnership with different responsibilities assigned to each partner.

Legal Guardians

WV Department of Human Services (DoHS) serves as legal guardians of Middle College students and delegates responsibilities for their supervision to KVC West Virginia through a legal document called a provider agreement (none of the other partners are party to this agreement).

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Health, Safety & Wellbeing

KVC West Virginia (KVC) is responsible to DoHS for providing onsite, 24-hour student supervision, and ensuring the health, safety, and wellbeing of students in accordance with the provider agreement.

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Academics & Campus-Based Support

Fairmont State University provides academic instruction, specialized advising, tutoring, and mentoring, as well as a variety of campus services designed to support their success. These include financial support, on-campus dining, technology support, access to health and wellness counseling, and more. A dedicated on-campus lounge gives Middle College students a space to relax, connect with others, and access support.

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Educational Support

West Virginia Schools of Diversion and Transition provide educational support and services for Middle College students to complete their high school diploma.

Why is Middle College at Fairmont State University needed?

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

Once youth graduate from Middle College, they’ll have a high school diploma and an associate degree (or 2 years of college credit) that can propel them onto a 4-year college degree, vocational training or a fulfilling career.

What is the admissions process like?

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.

Is Middle College a placement?

No, Middle College is NOT a placement that a judge or caseworker can assign. Youth must choose this opportunity that youth must choose for themselves. It’s a great opportunity for young people, but it takes dedication and responsibility to succeed.

Who teaches the participants?

Fairmont State’s expert faculty instruct participants.

How can I support Middle College and the youth it serves?

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