Middle College at Fairmont State University Expands Opportunities for West Virginia Teens in Foster Care
Middle College at Fairmont State University – a unique dual-degree program for West
Virginia teens who have experienced foster care – is introducing exciting updates
to better serve current and future Middle College students. Middle College is a collaborative
effort between KVC West Virginia, Fairmont State University, and West Virginia Schools
of Diversion and Transition (WVSDT). These updates are designed to give Middle College
students the education, skills, and connections they need to pursue their dreams,
while also addressing Fairmont State University’s growing need for on-campus housing.
“As we welcome more students to Fairmont State, we recognize that meeting the needs of both Middle College and our broader student community requires continuous change,” said Fairmont State University President Mike Davis. “We are proud to enhance our support for Middle College and create life-changing opportunities for those students. Through our partnership with KVC West Virginia and West Virginia Schools for Diversion and Transition, we are equipping these students with essential tools to build brighter futures. These changes are just the beginning, and we remain committed to seeking innovative ways to serve this vulnerable sector of our community and support their journey toward growth and success.”
Together, these partners have reimagined how to best serve Middle College students, blending academics with robust support services tailored to their unique needs.
Starting June 2025, the updated program will focus on providing:
• A high school diploma and a two-year associate degree (or 2 years of college credit toward a bachelor’s degree).
• Tuition, fees and housing fully supported by federal and state sources.
• 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 within driving distance of Fairmont. Reliable transportation must be available.
• Access to Fairmont State University education and resources, including college-level academic instruction, specialized advising, tutoring, mentoring, an on-campus Middle College student lounge, and other campus support services.
• Enhanced academic support, including certified West Virginia Schools of Diversion and Transition special education teachers.
• Access to KVC West Virginia community-based support services, including outpatient mental health therapy, life skills workshops, social-emotional learning opportunities, and more.
• Education and skills that prepare Middle College graduates to enter the job market or continue their college education.
“Middle College isn’t only about academics – it’s also about helping youth navigate adulthood with confidence and purpose,” said Erin Keltner, President of KVC West Virginia. “These updates will strengthen our partnerships and ensure that every Middle College student has the opportunity to thrive, both during and after their time at Middle College.”
Since its launch, Middle College has opened doors for West Virginia teens in foster care, giving them access to higher education, new skills, and the confidence to pursue their dreams. These program updates affirm each partner’s commitment to creating life-changing opportunities for youth who have experienced foster care.
For more information about Middle College at Fairmont State University, visit the Middle College at Fairmont State webpage.
About Fairmont State University:
The 120-acre main campus of Fairmont State University sits on a hillside in Fairmont, West Virginia, the county seat of Marion County. The University turns opportunity, passion and hard work into excellence in a vibrant, close-knit campus community where students and teachers become your friends for life. Students enjoy the opportunities offered by a comprehensive state university combined with the personal attention and campus atmosphere expected from a small, private school.
About KVC West Virginia:
KVC West Virginia is a private, nonprofit organization and a leading child welfare agency and mental health treatment provider. With a 20+ year history, KVC enriches and enhances the lives of children and families through trauma-informed services such as foster care, adoption, outpatient mental health treatment, in-home family services, and education and mentoring support services. KVC is accredited by The Joint Commission, widely recognized as the gold standard in healthcare. Learn more at kvcwv.org.
About West Virginia Schools of Diversion and Transition:
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.
