Young people aged 16 to 24 in Morgan County have a rare opportunity open to them through the Job Scholars Program at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College’s Morgan County Center.
The free job training and career support program begins this summer, and is taking applications now.
An information session is being held in person at the Morgan County Center (The Pines Opportunity Center) on Thursday, May 6.
An info session is also set for May 13 at Blue Ridge’s Technology Center in Martinsburg.
Questions about the sessions can be directed to Joseph Holliday at JHOLLIDA@blueridgectc.edu.
Blue Ridge is one of a limited number of colleges in the U.S. to receive the U.S. Department of Labor funding for the Job Scholars program.
Thirty slots are available for the first cohort of students who will start classes and training this summer. Students can come from anywhere in the Eastern Panhandle but the classes and counseling aspects will be held at the Morgan County Center.
Blue Ridge representative Cynthia Hull told county officials recently that the college is working hard to attract young people to take advantage of the opportunity.
Students are eligible to apply if they are low income, have a disability or simply need career preparation support. The program is free, includes free meals while students are on campus, free school supplies and books. Program staff can also help supply transportation and child care assistance for students.
No-cost training is being offered for the following high-demand careers through the Job Scholars Program:
Advanced Manufacturing technician
Applied Laboratory technician
Computer Applications specialist
Cybersecurity
Early Childhood specialist
Agricultural careers
Entry-level HVAC
Entry-level welding
Front Office professional
Information Technology
Recovery/Life Coach
Wastewater Operator
Water Operator.
Counselors are available to field questions from young people who may be interested in taking part in this program.
Students can call Alexis Dixon at 304-260-4380, extension 2124 or Amy Gillespie at 304-260-4380, extension 3423 with questions or to get help with the application process.
More information about the program and requirements is online at www.blueridgectc.edu/jobscholars.
Cynthia Hull of Blue Ridge Community & Technical College tells Morgan County commissioners about the Job Scholars program in Berkeley Springs.
