Students and employees celebrate First-Generation College Celebration Day at Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College. Southern received a grant from the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission to expand support for first-generation students.
Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College will expand its support for first-generation college students during the 2026-27 academic year through a new grant awarded by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC).
Through Connect, Belong, Succeed, Southern plans to provide enhanced student experiences designed to help first-generation students navigate college, build connections, access resources and develop the confidence needed to persist toward graduation.
The initiative recognizes that for many first-generation students, college is a new experience not only for the student but often for their families as well. Southern will use the grant to strengthen opportunities that help students understand and navigate the college experience while connecting them with people, programs and resources that can support their academic and personal success.
“At Southern, access to college is only the beginning. We have a responsibility to help our students feel that they belong here and make sure they have the support and resources they need to succeed,” said Elizabeth A. Manuel, Interim President of Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College. “For a first-generation student, entering college can mean navigating an entirely new environment not only for that student, but often for their family as well. This grant gives us another opportunity to intentionally surround our students with support, connect them to people and resources, and help them build the confidence to persist toward graduation.”
During the coming academic year, Connect, Belong, Succeed will focus on creating meaningful opportunities for first-generation students to become more connected to the college community and better equipped to navigate their educational journey.
Planned activities will include opportunities for students to connect with faculty, staff and peers; learn about college resources and support services; participate in activities that strengthen their sense of belonging; and develop skills and confidence that can help them overcome barriers and remain on track toward their educational goals.
The initiative also reflects Southern’s broader commitment to student success. The College recognizes that student achievement extends beyond the classroom and that students are more likely to succeed when they have a strong support network and feel connected to their institution.
“First-generation students bring tremendous determination, talent and potential to our college,” Manuel said. “Our goal is to make sure they know they are not navigating this journey alone. We want every student to know that there are people at Southern who believe in them, are ready to help them and want to see them succeed.”
Through Connect, Belong, Succeed, Southern will continue building a college environment where students can establish connections, find their place and access the support they need to reach their goals.
Connect. Belong. Succeed. At Southern, student success begins with making sure every student knows they belong.