As a proud West Virginian, I know firsthand what it means to grow up in the Mountain State. Like many others, I felt the urge to explore beyond our borders, but, as I and many others have come to learn, there’s no home like West Virginia—and what a home it has become.
West Virginia’s legacy is built on grit, innovation, and a deep-rooted sense of belonging. From supplying the nation with resources to fostering pioneers and problem-solvers, it’s a place that calls us back home. But while talent is found everywhere, access to opportunity is not.
That’s where the Wing 2 Wing Foundation, in partnership with West Virginia University (WVU), Marshall University, and the West Virginia Department of Tourism, comes in—creating opportunities through First Ascent to change that dynamic.
With support from the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative (OEDC) and West Virginia’s Department of Tourism, First Ascent builds on the success of the Ascend WV Program, which pays remote workers $12,000 to relocate to West Virginia for two years—no strings attached. Our goal was to share the breathtaking landscapes and unbeatable quality of life only West Virginia can offer. Inspired by the response from the original program, we built on that momentum and launched First Ascent to keep our brightest young professionals in the state.
Specifically designed for recent WVU and Marshall grads ready to launch their professional careers, First Ascent is a collaborative effort by both Marshall University and WVU President Gordon Gee aimed at providing students with unique opportunities for growth, career, and connection—all while remaining in the state they know and love. More than just a professional development program—First Ascent is a movement that works to keep talent thriving in West Virginia.
Despite its incredible natural resources and strong sense of community, West Virginia faces the nation’s fastest population decline. First Ascent is working to reverse that trend by offering recent grads a reason to stay. It provides pathways to viable careers while showcasing what makes West Virginia a truly special place to live and work.
The program’s core values—community, purpose, and the outdoors—empower graduates to build fulfilling lives here. From access to free co-working spaces and outdoor recreation equipment to personal success coaches and expert mentors skilled in a variety of different areas and disciplines, First Ascent’s inaugural cohort is setting the stage for future generations to succeed.
Students who apply to the program can either currently have a hybrid or remote job or choose to work with a Program & Career Specialist to find opportunities that best fit their goals. They then get to choose one of six communities that suit their interests and lifestyles.
As one First Ascent participant, Sarah Surface, said, “I don’t think I truly knew how great work-life balance could be until I started working remotely. When I finish my work, a trail is always a short drive away, my coworkers are always jealous of the mountains when I take video calls outside, and there’s a peace to being out here that I wish more people would take advantage of.”
As these talented individuals continue to contribute to the economic vitality of their new communities in an authentic and meaningful way, they’re changing the narrative and creating a sense of place, inspiring others to do the same.
When we launched Ascend WV, our goal was to bring new residents to West Virginia. Now, as we celebrate the first anniversary of its spin-off program, First Ascent, we’re showing graduates they can find success in this increasingly digital world without having to leave the state.
“Leading this program has been incredibly inspiring. Our graduates are intentionally reimagining their work environment and have opted to stay close to home; it’s a true testament to their innovative thinking and desire to build community alongside their careers,” said First Ascent’s assistant director, Jessica R. Stidham. “With First Ascent, they’re crafting lifestyles that integrate professional growth and personal fulfillment, and their engagement showcases the opportunities that hybrid and remote work bring to West Virginia.”
As students continue to establish themselves in First Ascent communities across West Virginia, including Morgantown, Huntington, and the Greenbrier Valley, we are thrilled to watch as these young professionals—and their communities—continue to grow and flourish.
First Ascent’s success has demonstrated what the power of collaboration and support can truly accomplish. As we continue to expand the program, it promises to remain a cornerstone of West Virginia’s efforts to retain talent and develop its workforce in a genuine and sincere way.
Through programs offered by the OEDC, like First Ascent and Ascend WV, and university programs like Marshall For All, Marshall Forever, we demonstrate to our youth and future generations that a commitment to education, inclusion, and community can move mountains.
First Ascent is open to current students and alumni of WVU and Marshall University. They can apply during the last year of their degree program or up to one year after they graduate.
Learn more about First Ascent and how it’s changing the way young professionals live, work, play, and stay.
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