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HAPPY HOLIDAYS — Fairmont State University is closed for Winter Break

Happy Holidays from Fairmont State University. The University is closed from 4 p.m. Friday, December 20 through Thursday, January 2. Fairmont State will reopen on Friday, January 3.

View the Falcon Center Winter Break Hours

Benefits of Middle College Impact

Benefits of Middle College

Middle College at Fairmont State University is a unique opportunity for highly motivated West Virginia youth. Qualified youth can excel academically, and beyond, while experiencing the following benefits:

Experience & Expertise

Middle College is a partnership between Fairmont State University and KVC West Virginia. 

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. 

KVC West Virginia is a private nonprofit organization and a leading foster care agency and mental health treatment provider. With over 20 years of experience, KVC has dedicated itself to enriching and enhancing the lives of children and families. We achieve this through a range of trauma-informed services, including foster care, adoption, outpatient mental health treatment, in-home family preservation, and educational support services. KVC is accredited by The Joint Commission, widely recognized as the gold standard in healthcare. Learn more on the KVC West Virginia site.

College Campus Life

Students live on Fairmont State’s cozy, safe campus seven days per week year-round, giving them a taste of college life and fostering a sense of belonging in an academic and social environment.

Safety and Security

A safe and secure environment with Middle College program staff available 24/7 ensure students can focus on learning and personal development.

Free Tuition

Middle College is a cost-free program that eliminates the financial burden of scholarships and loans. Tuition, fees and campus living are 100% supported by federal and state sources for attending students.

Academic Support and Advising

Middle College offers tailored academic programs with individualized instruction and additional resources to address each student's learning gaps and encourage the pursuit of their academic interests.

Dual-Degree Pathways

Students have a clear pathway to higher education once they earn both a high school diploma and an associate degree, or two years of credits toward a bachelor's degree, through Middle College.

Flexible Scheduling

Flexible class schedules accommodate students' unique needs, such as academic interest, as well as part-time work-study jobs and other responsibilities.

Educational Advocacy

Students are empowered as active participants in their academic journey and are equipped with knowledge and skills to advocate for their educational needs and rights.

Stability

Middle College provides a consistent and supportive environment that minimizes the risk of transition, reduces disruptions in a student’s education, and increases their opportunities for success.

Supportive Physical and Emotional Development

To help build resilience and self-confidence, Middle College focuses on nurturing both the physical and emotional development of students via access to staff, therapists, and other experts in trauma-informed care.

Trauma-Informed Care

A trauma-informed campus and staff ensures that each student is seen and heard, and that their individual needs are addressed with empathy and understanding.

Wraparound Services

Middle College provides access to various support services, including mental and behavioral health therapy, case management, and physical health care.

Mentorship

Students are paired with mentors who can provide guidance, support, and encouragement throughout their academic journey.

Empowerment

With support, students are responsible for their own success which fosters self-confidence and self-assurance.

Life Skills

Essential skills for independent living such as budgeting, time management, career development, work-study, and self-care are a critical aspect of each student’s everyday learning.

Extracurricular Activities

Students are encouraged to join extracurricular activities such as clubs, intramural sports, and other student activities that foster a well-rounded education and personal growth.

Community and Belonging

Students live in a supportive and inclusive community with peers who share similar experiences.

Personalized Living Spaces

Middle College students are empowered to customize and take ownership of their shared living spaces, thus promoting a sense of autonomy and responsibility.

Maintain and Create Healthy Connections:

To provide ongoing stability and a support system, students are encouraged to maintain connections with their current foster care family, adoptive family, biological family, friends, natural supports, service providers, and their local community. Students may to build new trusting relationships with supportive adult staff at Fairmont's Campus. 

Weekend and Holiday Activities

Middle College offers regular opportunities to promote social interaction, personal growth, and a sense of community through fun and engaging activities.

Middle College at Fairmont State University impacts West Virginia youth who have experienced foster care by helping them achieve academically, while also supporting their emotional, social, and practical needs as they transition to adulthood.

Students are viewed and treated as a whole person with one goal in mind—their long-term success and well-being.