The EdVenture Group, Inc. Receives $75,695 from Appalachian Regional Commission

The cMeLead Simulated Workplace Leadership Series builds the capacity of next generation WV leaders to innovate & advance their local communities.

The EdVenture Group, Inc. was awarded $75,695 by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) for the cMeLead Simulated Workplace Leadership Series project. SWLS is a collaborative project between The EdVenture Group, the West Virginia Department of Education, and nine career & technical education (CTE) centers throughout West Virginia. The project expands a successful leadership development program for CTE youth that empowers students to take ownership of their involvement and influence in their local community.

SWLS Project Director, Amber Ravenscroft, awards Certificates of Leadership to the 2019 cohort of Calhoun Gilmer Career Center SWLS graduates.

The project is an expansion of an existing model piloted at Calhoun-Gilmer Career Center. SWLS features professional development for instructors, in-person leadership development programming for Simulated Workplace company leaders, a self-paced online learning track, and culminates in a leadership legacy project developed and implemented by students. SWLS is designed to combine the technical skills developed in the SW environment with the intangible leadership skills needed to be successful in today’s workplace.

“Today’s students are going to become the leaders of tomorrow. It’s vital that we provide them the skills and opportunity to develop these skills within their learning environment to ultimately own their growth and the growth of their local community,” said Amber Ravenscroft, Manager of Innovation for The EdVenture Group and SWLS Project Director.

SWLS will be offered to students in nine CTE locations across the state: 1) Boone Career & Technical Center, 2) Calhoun-Gilmer Career Center, 3) Lincoln County High School, 4) Mingo Central CTE, 5) Roane County High School, 6) Summers County Schools, 7) Webster County Schools, 8) Wetzel County Schools, and 9) Wyoming County Career & Technical Center. The project marks one of many collaborative initiatives between The EdVenture Group and WVDE’s Simulated Workplace initiative, led by Dr. Kathy D’Antoni.

For more information on SWLS and The EdVenture Group, Inc. visit their website or contact Amber Ravenscroft today at aravenscroft@edvgroup.org.