WVU Parkersburg Secures $815,824 Grant for Cloud Computing Education

WVU Parkersburg has been awarded an $815,824 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to enhance education in cloud computing. This funding, part of the NSF’s Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program, will support the college’s initiative titled “Building a Pathway to Cloud Computing Careers in West Virginia.” The grant, spanning three years, aims to develop new educational pathways that align with current industry demands.

Dr. Torie Jackson, president of WVU Parkersburg, expressed gratitude for the recognition. “It is such an honor for WVU Parkersburg to be the recipient of a National Science Foundation grant. It takes months of planning to be eligible for these prestigious federal opportunities. Michele Wilson worked diligently to pursue this opportunity,” she stated.

New Program to Launch in 2026

Enrollment for the new associate degree program in cloud computing is set to open in Fall 2026. This program, developed in partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS), will equip students with essential skills in cloud technology, covering areas such as AWS infrastructure, cloud architecture, networking, security, and automation. The initiative is designed to provide hands-on experience with AWS tools, alongside preparation for industry-recognized certifications.

The grant will also fund the hiring of two new faculty members specializing in cloud computing and a dedicated student success coach. This coach will provide academic advising, support planning, and enhance student retention, according to Michele Wilson, Dean of Workforce, Technical and Computer Information Science Division and principal investigator for the project.

Wilson will collaborate with co-principal investigators Kurt Knopp, Charles Almond, and Olivia Reeder. Knopp will engage with business and industry partners to ensure the program meets workforce needs. Almond will focus on curriculum development and academic approvals, while Reeder will manage marketing outreach for the new initiative.

Significance of the Grant

“This is a prestigious and highly vetted national grant whose intent is to ensure that institutions of higher learning have the resources to implement programs with major impact on national economic development, national security concerns, and cutting-edge technologies,” said Knopp. “Being awarded the grant communicates the belief by the federal government that WVU Parkersburg has a well thought out plan to drive cutting-edge learning in our region.”

The proposal for the grant was prepared throughout 2023 with support from Mentor-Connect, a resource designed to assist faculty from two-year colleges in crafting competitive NSF proposals. Mentor-Connect, led by Florence-Darlington Technical College, collaborates with the American Association of Community Colleges to provide mentorship and guidance.

Wilson highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “Mentor-Connect is a wonderful opportunity to connect with a mentor for any questions you may have with the NSF grant. Also, it is a way to connect with other successful NSF grantees and learn from their experiences.”

The ATE program focuses on developing technicians skilled in high-tech fields that are crucial for the economy. Community and technical colleges in the United States are pivotal in delivering this education, and faculty from these institutions have been instrumental in ATE projects since its inception in 1993.

About WVU Parkersburg

Established in 1961, WVU Parkersburg serves as a vital educational institution for its students and the surrounding communities. The college offers over 40 degree programs, along with workforce development and community education classes. Notably, it is the only community and technical college in West Virginia authorized to confer bachelor’s degrees and hosts WPKM 96.3 FM, the state’s first community college radio station.

For further information about the new program, interested individuals can contact the college at 304-424-2274 or email [email protected].