Community Care Gets $944,874 for Health Careers
Community Care of West Virginia will share an Appalachian Regional Commission grant with 10 schools and programs to build interest in health care careers.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Financial Aid
Live Poll
Should your community prioritize training local residents for health care jobs?
Community Care of West Virginia, based in Buckhannon, has received $944,874 from the Appalachian Regional Commission POWER Initiative. The grant will be shared with 10 schools and programs, each receiving $75,000.
Why it matters
Many rural communities in West Virginia struggle to find enough health care workers. The project supports workforce development in areas affected by changes in the coal industry.
The total grant of $944,874 is split evenly, with each of the 10 recipients receiving $75,000. The funding covers equipment, additional classes and programs introducing young students to health care careers.
The players
Community Care of West Virginia
A Buckhannon-based organization that is building a new health and education center and is distributing the grant to participating schools and programs.
Appalachian Regional Commission
A federal-state partnership agency that funds economic development in Appalachian communities, including through its POWER Initiative for coal-affected regions.
Marshall University
A public university in Huntington that will use grant funds to support expansion of its Physician Assistant Program.
The details
Appalachian Impact will add career exploration to its after-school program for 6th-8th graders, Fred Eberle Technical Center will buy equipment for hands-on training, and Pierpont Community & Technical College will enroll more students for clinical preparation. Glenville State University will offer free health and fitness assessments.
Timeline
Grant announced November 10, 2026.
Community Care's new four-story health and education center in Buckhannon is expected to open in spring 2028.
Roadmap
The grant is funded through the Appalachian Regional Commission's POWER Initiative, which directs federal money to communities affected by coal industry changes. Health care is a growing sector that can offer stable employment as traditional mining jobs decline.
Students in the participating programs will gain access to new equipment, added classes and hands-on training that can lead to health care jobs. Free health and fitness assessments offered by Glenville State University give community members a no-cost way to check their health.
The takeaway
Students interested in health care careers in rural West Virginia may find new training options at participating schools and programs as the grant rolls out. Checking with local institutions about enrollment and free offerings can help families plan ahead.
What happens next
The new Buckhannon health and education center is expected to open in spring 2028.
Further reading
Explore more West Virginia financial aid options for students pursuing health care careers.
Live Poll
Should your community prioritize training local residents for health care jobs?
