Check Presented to Hampshire High School For Dual Enrollment Program

MOOREFIELD W.VA. – Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College hosted Hampshire High School’s Certified Nursing Assistant Program (C.N.A.) students and Kristie Long, Health Occupations Teacher, to present a check for $13,170. These students have enrolled in Hampshire High School’s dual-enrollment program with Eastern to advance progress toward a career pathway in healthcare. The C.N.A. dual-enrollment allows student completers to increase their likelihood of acceptance into Eastern’s Nursing Program. Eastern has partnered with South Branch Career and Technical Center, Hampshire High School, and Tucker County High School on this dual-enrollment initiative. Dr. Tom Striplin, President of Eastern, and Dr. Megan Webb, Dean of Advancement & Continuing Education, presented the $13,170 check to strengthen the partnership and further the growth of Hampshire High School’s existing C.N.A Program. Eastern received the Perkins Reserve Grant, which supports the projects of community and technical colleges that provide students with either dual-enrollment programs, work-based learning for skills needed in workforce areas, or industry-recognized credentials. “This grant has afforded a wonderful opportunity to offer dual-enrollment for a much-needed area in health care. The partnership between Hampshire High School and Eastern exemplifies the importance of higher education with positive impacts on student outcomes and a bridge to post-secondary learning,” said Melissa Shockey, Workforce Program Director, “I appreciate instructor Kristie Long’s support of this program and the encouragement she has provided to her students to continue their health education journey.”

College leadership presenting check to local high school
(L-R; Dr. Tom Striplin, President, C.N.A Program Students, Dr. Megan Webb, Dean of Advancement and Continuing Education, and Kristie Long, Health Occupations Teacher)

In response to the growing need for healthcare professionals with multiple skills, the C.N.A. Program is designed to give students a comprehensive suite of administrative and clinical skills. After completing the program, an aspiring healthcare professional would possess the skills required to perform multiple tasks in a complex and dynamic healthcare environment. In addition to acquiring multiple healthcare professional skills, students who complete this program would be eligible to sit for multiple National Healthcare Association certification exams. “It was a wonderful opportunity to speak to the Senior Class from Hampshire High School,” said Barbara See, Nursing Administrative Secretary, “To be able to show them our Sim lab and discuss the opportunities that Eastern’s Nursing program has to offer for their future was great. I’m looking forward to seeing these students choose Eastern to be part of their educational future.”