LOGAN, W.Va. — Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College has received a nearly $3 million Strengthening Institutions Program grant from the U.S. Department of Education to improve student success in nursing and allied health programs.
The $2,981,852 grant will fund a five-year initiative called “Southern Health Pathways: Nursing and Allied Health Student Success,” running from fiscal year 2026 through 2031.
The initiative is designed to improve student retention, program completion and success on professional licensure and certification exams.
“Southern is committed to ensuring that students have the support, resources, and hands-on learning experiences they need to succeed in high-demand healthcare careers,” said Elizabeth A. Manuel, interim president of Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College.
The grant will allow Southern to modernize its clinical simulation laboratories with high-fidelity equipment and artificial intelligence and virtual reality-enhanced learning technologies.
The upgrades will give students additional opportunities to practice clinical skills in realistic health care environments.
The college also plans to provide dedicated academic pathway specialists to help students navigate their educational programs. Expanded tutoring, academic remediation and licensure examination preparation will provide additional assistance as students progress through their programs.
Southern also will enhance its student tracking and early alert systems to identify students who may be experiencing academic or other barriers to success. Faculty and staff will be able to connect students with appropriate resources before those challenges affect enrollment or program completion.
Manuel said the investment will strengthen Southern’s nursing and allied health programs while helping remove barriers that can prevent students from completing their education.
The initiative is intended to help more students complete nursing and allied health programs, earn professional credentials and enter health care careers in southern West Virginia.
Southern said the grant also will strengthen its ability to prepare the region’s health care workforce and support the communities it serves.
