BEAVER, W.Va. (WVDN) – New River Community and Technical College and the Braxton County Board of Education have finalized a Memorandum of Understanding to establish dual enrollment opportunities for students beginning in Fall 2026.
Through this partnership, eligible juniors and seniors at Braxton County High School will be able to enroll in college-level programs while still in high school, accelerating both college completion and entry into the workforce.
A feature of the agreement is an expanded Practical Nursing pathway. Students will have the opportunity to enter New River CTC’s Practical Nursing program full-time during high school and complete program requirements shortly after graduation. This accelerated pathway allows students to transition directly into the nursing workforce or continue their education toward an Associate Degree in Nursing or Registered Nurse program.
“The expansion of dual enrollment opportunities is central to our mission of providing access to higher education,” said Dr. Bonny Copenhaver, President of New River CTC. “This innovative model places New River CTC among a small number of institutions and one of the first in West Virginia to provide high school students with direct access to a Practical Nursing pathway while still enrolled in high school. By creating clear, supported pathways for students to earn college credentials early, we are removing barriers and opening doors to meaningful careers and continued education.”
The partnership is designed to strengthen the region’s healthcare workforce while providing students with a direct, cost-effective route into high-demand careers.
Additional dual enrollment pathways include Allied Health, Welding, Criminal Justice, and Cosmetology, offering students multiple options aligned with workforce needs while completing college coursework in high school.
“These partnerships reflect the power of strong community engagement and a shared commitment to student success,” said Mr. Michael Green, Vice President of External Affairs. “We are intentional in building and strengthening relationships with our K-12 partners to create opportunities that align with workforce needs. Our commitment extends beyond access-we are focused on ensuring our students, our communities, and the state of West Virginia succeed and thrive.”
These courses will be offered through the LevelUp WV program, which provides tuition support for eligible dual enrollment students.
The agreement reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to career pathways and will be reviewed annually to ensure alignment with student demand and workforce needs.
