LOGAN, WV – Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College (Southern) and Bluefield State University (BSU) have been selected to receive a $25,000 grant to develop an innovative educational partnership connecting West Virginia’s two-year and four-year institutions with a partner school in the Republic of Ireland.
The grant is being awarded through the West Virginia-Ireland Education Alliance (WVIEA), administered by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (WVHEPC). The WVIEA issued its call for proposals on May 18, 2026, following the passage of West Virginia House Bill 4087, which established the initiative to strengthen international educational opportunities for students across the state.
Through the grant, Southern and BSU will work together to advance the development of a study abroad program and establish a sustainable partnership with an institution in Ireland.
The WVIEA is designed to expand access to global learning opportunities for West Virginia students, support sustainable international partnerships, foster academic collaboration and workforce-aligned engagement, and build institutional capacity for internationalization across the state.
“This opportunity represents an exciting step forward for Southern and our students,” said Interim President Elizabeth Manuel. “Developing an international partnership with an institution in Ireland will provide opportunities for our students and faculty to engage in global learning while building connections that can support academic and workforce development.”
Southern faculty members who have participated in planning sessions for the initiative include Nathan Freeman, Gordon Hensley, Dr. Charles Keeney, and Lillie Teeters.
The partnership will focus on developing a sustainable framework for international collaboration while exploring opportunities for students to participate in study abroad experiences and other forms of academic and cultural exchange.
Southern officials said they are honored to have been selected for the new initiative and look forward to working with Bluefield State University and its Irish partner to expand educational opportunities for West Virginia students.
“This grant provides an opportunity to look beyond our borders while creating meaningful educational experiences for students here in West Virginia,” said Manuel. “We are excited about the possibilities this partnership can create for our students, faculty, and communities.”
Additional details about the study abroad program and international partnership will be announced as development of the initiative continues.