Department of Health, Department of Health Facilities, and Department of Human Services

​The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) today announced a partnership with Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College (Southern) uniquely designed for individuals receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits to enroll in a cohort pilot program at Southern to gain skills to succeed in the workforce.  The ultimate goal of the program is to move more individuals and families toward achieving self-sufficiency.

“This pilot program will provide support to individuals seeking to improve their opportunities for gainful employment,” said DHHR Cabinet Secretary Karen L. Bowling. “I appreciate the support of Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin and First Lady Joanne Jaeger Tomblin, as well as Southern’s commitment to preparing individuals for careers and look forward to seeing how this partnership improves the stability of West Virginia’s children and families. This pilot is setting an example that will likely be emulated across the state and nation.”

The pilot program was established by Secretary Bowling and First Lady Tomblin, former president of Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College.  There are 21 TANF recipients identified as cohort students which will begin classes in the fall 2015 semester and will work toward a certificate or degree program.  DHHR has assisted the cohort students in seeking financial aid and advisement from counselors in regard to the program they will choose. 

“We are pleased to be a part of this innovative project. Our faculty and staff are looking forward to working in collaboration with these students and the WV Department of Health and Human Resources to design a career path that will lead to professional and personal success,” said Merle Dempsey, Interim Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College President.

Southern will offer these students assistance on all academic levels, from boot camps for math and English, to offering additional skills for their chosen program. Employers in the area were contacted to determine workforce needs so that individuals in the cohort would receive skills needed for emerging occupations in the area.

Data will be collected through the pilot period and if it is successful, the program will be implemented in other areas of the state.