West Virginia University at Parkersburg (WVUP) received a $815,824 Project Grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Division of Undergraduate Education under the STEM Education program (CFDA 47.076), awarded October 1, 2025, with a completion date of September 30, 2028. The grant supports the development and implementation of a cloud computing education pathway designed to address workforce shortages in the advanced technology sector within West Virginia, a region characterized by low educational attainment and economic challenges. WVUP will establish a new Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program and embedded Certificate of Applied Science in Cloud Computing, leveraging a partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and membership in the AWS Tech Alliance to align curriculum with industry-relevant competencies and available employment opportunities.
The grant funds the creation of infrastructure, curriculum development, and student support services through WVUP's new Innovation and Technology Center, which will serve as a cutting-edge training facility for the cloud computing program. Key deliverables include curriculum developed in collaboration with AWS resources, recruitment and enrollment initiatives targeting dual enrollment and nontraditional students, and comprehensive student support infrastructure designed to promote program completion. The project emphasizes workforce development in computing technician positions to support the nation's advanced technology economy. No subawards are planned under this grant.