Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College has received a $2,981,852 Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP) grant from the U.S. Department of Education to implement Southern Health Pathways: Nursing and Allied Health Student Success, a five-year initiative focused on improving student retention, program completion, and professional licensure and certification success.
The project, which will run from Fiscal Year 2026 through Fiscal Year 2031, will strengthen institutional capacity and expand the resources available to students pursuing careers in nursing and allied health fields.
“Southern is committed to ensuring that students have the support, resources, and hands-on learning experiences they need to succeed in high-demand healthcare careers,” said Elizabeth A. Manuel, Interim President of Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College. “This significant federal investment will allow us to strengthen our Nursing and Allied Health programs while removing barriers that can prevent students from completing their education. We are grateful for this opportunity to invest in our students and, ultimately, in the healthcare workforce that serves southern West Virginia.”
Through Southern Health Pathways, Southern will modernize its clinical simulation laboratories with high-fidelity equipment and artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR)-enhanced learning technologies.
These upgrades will provide students with additional opportunities to practice clinical skills and gain experience in realistic healthcare environments.
The initiative will also provide students with dedicated academic pathway specialists who will help guide them through their educational journeys. Expanded tutoring, academic remediation, and licensure examination preparation will provide additional support for students as they progress through their programs and prepare to enter the workforce.
Southern will also enhance its student tracking and early alert systems to identify students who may be experiencing academic or other barriers to success. Early intervention will allow faculty and staff to connect students with appropriate resources and support before challenges affect their ability to remain enrolled and complete their programs.
The initiative addresses barriers that can affect student persistence while strengthening the systems and services that support completion.
By increasing access to academic and technological resources, Southern Health Pathways will help more students complete Nursing and Allied Health programs, earn professional credentials, and enter high-demand healthcare careers throughout southern West Virginia.
The grant represents a significant investment in Southern’s ability to prepare a highly skilled healthcare workforce and support the communities it serves.