Middle College at Fairmont State University is open to youth aged 16 and older who are currently in West Virginia foster care.
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
Tuition, fees and housing are 100% supported by federal and state sources for attending students. Community-based support services and on-campus support are provided at no cost for attending students. We are also engaging in a robust national fundraising effort.
Fairmont State University delivers college-level academic instruction, offering courses toward a high school diploma and an associate of arts degree or credits for a four-year degree. The curriculum also 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 is a multi-organizational partnership with different responsibilities assigned to each partner.
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).
KVC West Virginia (KVC) is responsible to DoHS in ensuring the health, safety, and wellbeing of students in accordance with the provider agreement.
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.
West Virginia Schools of Diversion and Transition provide educational support and services for Middle College students to complete their high school diploma.
Fairmont State’s expert faculty instruct participants.
Campus police provide 24-hour patrol protection throughout Fairmont State’s campus including campus buildings, parking lots, and other facilities.
Participants have access to health services including treatment of minor illnesses, immunizations, allergy injections, physical exams and reproductive health services.
The unique needs of Middle College students are our top priority. Fairmont State University and KVC West Virginia ensure that Middle College participants have access to trauma-informed staff, counselors, and case managers to promote safety, stability and well-being while addressing any behavioral or mental health needs.
Through West Virginia Schools for Diversion and Transition, participants are supported by a certified Special Education teacher to ensure their educational needs are met.
Participants have regular organized weekend and holiday activities to ensure engagement throughout the entire year.
Youth who have experienced foster care face extraordinary obstacles in attaining quality secondary and postsecondary educations. These challenges intensify even more for youth who have experienced foster care throughout West Virginia.
Coupled with the lack of financial resources, lack of access to technology and high-speed internet, and a lack of guidance and mentorship, these combined obstacles translate into difficulty in finding and holding gainful employment upon leaving the education system.
West Virginia has reached a critical juncture in serving the needs of youth in our state. The COVID-19 pandemic that ravaged our communities, the substance use disorder epidemic that has impacted many lives, and a variety of socioeconomic factors have led to extraordinary rates of families involved with the child welfare system. Increasingly adverse economic and societal factors make supporting youth who have experienced foster care even more urgent.
1-304-367-4593
middlecollege@fairmontstate.edu
1201 Locust Avenue
Fairmont, WV 26554
