Photo by Generation WV
By Fred Pace/Huntington Herald-Dispatch
As population continues to decline in West Virginia, attracting, retaining and advancing young talent in the state becomes more challenging – and more crucial to the state’s future.
A group that is working to meet that challenge – Generation West Virginia – on Tuesday introduced in Huntington a new, yearlong fellowship program called Impact WV intended to bring seven young people to the state and immerse them in life in the Mountain State. To do so, it will partner with six companies located in different parts of West Virginia that will offer the paid internships.
“Generation West Virginia has done a significant amount of research on the factors that both attract and retain young talent,” said Natalie Roper, executive director of the nonprofit organization based in Charleston. “We are living in a knowledge economy where young people have become the most important resource. West Virginia’s future depends on its ability to reverse these declining population trends.”
“Impact WV hopes to introduce young talent to West Virginia companies, while also showing young people that there are a variety of viable, innovative and good-paying jobs here at home,” she said.
Impact WV is now accepting applications for the paid internships, and interested people can learn how to apply at the website weimpactwv.org.
Roper said the program was designed based on important elements young professionals seek: working with high-impact companies, being a part of community solutions and growing as change agents through personal and professional development…
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