Pierpont C&TC Opens Braxton Co. Facility

Pierpont Community & Technical College of Fairmont State University now has a new branch center located at Braxton County High School in Flatwoods.

Pierpont C&TC and FSU officials, Gov. Joe Manchin, Braxton County Schools Superintendent Carolyn Long and members of the Braxton County Board of Education, as well as members of the local community, attended at ribbon cutting ceremony at the new center on Aug. 15.

"It's a beautiful facility, complete with state-of-the-art technology," said Blair Montgomery, President of Pierpont C&TC. "This is the first time anyone has done what we're trying to do in a rural area. This project is a model for the entire nation."

National, state and local funding allocations made possible the creation of an addition to BCHS, which includes four classrooms, three offices and a commons area.

The project between Pierpont C&TC and Braxton County High School is creating the nation's first rural "Early College High School," allowing students to earn a certificate or an associate degree while they are in high school. The center also houses evening classes, allowing members of the community to take Pierpont C&TC courses closer to home. Glenville State College is also offering courses at the new facility.

The new educational model known as the "Early College High School Initiative" model will demonstrate that students encountering the rigor, depth and intensity of college work at an earlier age will be inspired to continue their educations and learn the skills they need to be competitive in the current economic climate.

By changing the structure of the high school years and allowing students to make substantial progress towards an associate degree while still in high school, the "Early College High School" has the potential to save money for families and taxpayers and to better prepare students for entry into high-skill careers.