Students work on their pitch as part of the 2024 WVU Extension Impact Challenge. (Photo Credit: WVU Extension)
West Virginia University Extension, through generous funding from the Hayhurst Family and the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, will bring innovative curriculum and opportunities for West Virginia youth to engage in learning about entrepreneurship.
The WVU Extension Young Innovators program, a free, hands-on initiative designed to empower middle and high school students with real-world skills in leadership, creativity and entrepreneurial problem-solving, will be available in 16 West Virginia middle and high schools for the 2025-2026 academic year. Through interactive sessions emphasizing teamwork and collaboration, students transform their ideas into tangible projects that address real community challenges. The program culminates at the Mountain State Innovators Summit, where student teams will showcase their ideas, connect with mentors and industry leaders and compete for funding to bring their visions to life.
“The Young Innovators Program is an investment in the future of our state. We are committed to developing a strong pipeline of talented future innovators that will thrive and lead in West Virginia,” Lauren Prinzo, associate professor and Extension specialist, said. “We're thrilled to welcome this year's school partners and look forward to seeing how their students will harness their passion and creativity to develop new skills and practice turning ideas into action.”
Young Innovators is made possible through the support of donors, including the Hayhurst Family, who have invested in building opportunities for the next generation of leaders across the Mountain State.
“The Hayhurst Family is committed to supporting West Virginia’s next generation of talent,” James Davis of the Hayhurst Family said. “Young Innovators and the Morris L. Hayhurst LaunchLab at WVU connect schools, the state, local communities, and universities to build a pipeline of future leaders for West Virginia.”
“As an educator, I see firsthand how Young Innovators are transforming our communities. When students dedicate their energy to projects like rebuilding a nature trail, which was our project,” Braxton County Middle School teacher Alicia McPherson said. “They’re not only gaining valuable skills but also showing pride in making West Virginia a better place. Their hard work proves that learning can create a lasting impact for generations.”
Participating schools represent a mix of middle and high schools, career centers and PK–8 programs in both rural and urban communities.
- Braxton County – Braxton County High School, Braxton County Middle School
- Brooke County – Brooke High School
- Jackson County – Ripley High School, Ravenswood Middle School
- Kanawha County – Ben Franklin Career Center
- Lincoln County – Duval PK-8, Guyan Valley Middle School, Hamlin PK-8, Harts PK-8, Lincoln County High School
- Marshall County – John Marshall High School, Moundsville Middle School
- Mingo County – Mingo Central High School
- Monongalia County – South Middle School
- Wetzel County – Wetzel County Technical Education Center
Young Innovators, which is part of WVU Extension’s focus on preparing students for future career success, serves students across West Virginia, including rural communities where opportunities to explore entrepreneurship may be more limited. The program equips young people with problem-solving skills and entrepreneurial experiences that prepare them to be future leaders in their schools, communities, and careers.
If you want to learn about WVU Extension, visit extension.wvu.edu or follow @WVUExtension on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram.
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Contact:
DirectorCommunications, Marketing and Technology
WVU Division for Land-Grant Engagement
tara.curtis@mail.wvu.edu; 304-293-7996