Fairmont State Middle College switching to off-campus housing model
FAIRMONT, W.Va. (WBOY) — Beginning this summer, Fairmont State University's Middle College program will move away from its on-campus housing model for students in West Virginia's foster care system.
For its initial cohort, it offered on-campus housing and educational opportunities to students aged 16 and over. The program provides support for those students as they complete their high school education and work on credit toward a bachelor's degree. State, university and local school officials held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the program in September of 2024.
Fairmont State University emailed students last week to update them on changes coming to the program as it shifts to a Campus-Based Support Program (CBSP).
That email reads, in part: 'While many of the inaugural cohort of Middle College students have been successful, program leaders are confident that with some changes to the program and expansion to serve non-residential students who have experienced foster care, Fairmont State can make an even bigger impact.'
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Those changes include switching to a campus-based support program with off-campus housing, opening the program to eligible students living within driving distance. Prichard Hall, the dormitory assigned to Middle College students, will reopen in the fall as general campus housing.
'As part of the transition to a CBSP model, Middle College will begin to serve high school youth in foster or kinship care within driving distance to the University,' the email reads. 'This will remove the residential requirement, while continuing to provide the life-changing support services that Middle College students deserve.'
The Middle College program will continue to offer:
A high school diploma and a two-year associate degree (or 2 years of college credit toward a bachelor's degree).
Tuition, fees, and housing fully supported by federal and state sources.
Access to Fairmont State University education and resources, including college-level academic instruction, specialized advising, tutoring, mentoring, an on-campus Middle College student lounge, and other campus support services.
Enhanced academic support, including certified West Virginia Schools of Diversion and Transition special education teachers.
Access to KVC West Virginia community-based support services, including outpatient mental health therapy, life skills workshops, social-emotional learning opportunities, and more.
Education and skills that prepare Middle College graduates to enter the job market or continue their college education.
The program is a partnership between the university, KVC Health Systems and the West Virginia Schools of Diversion and Transition.
12 News reached out to university officials and a spokesperson for KVC Health Systems, but have not yet received a comment.
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