WV DED and WVU IE Partner to Empower Future Leaders in MCS CTE Programs
The PL Day, held on Thursday at the John Marshall Field House in Moundsville, provided an opportunity to enhance both technical and leadership skills for the CTE students. WVU Industrial Extension’s Manager of Continuous Improvement, Randy Kowalczyk, led the comprehensive student development workshop, designed to provide practical application of leadership principles.
The two-hour morning session focused on process-oriented training and helped students refine their ability to understand and improve workflows and systems. The two-hour afternoon session on leadership and problem-solving further equipped the participants with the tools to tackle challenges, lead teams and think critically in real-world situations. A lunch break between the sessions offered a chance for networking and reflection, making the day both educational and engaging.
Jennifer Rohrig, Manager, Business Retention and Expansion at the West Virginia Department of Economic Development, emphasized the significance of the program: “Empowering our young people with essential leadership and problem-solving skills is an investment in the future of our state. This collaboration with the WVU Industrial Extension is a testament to our commitment to fostering a strong, prepared workforce that can adapt and thrive.”
Throughout the school year, Marshall County CTE provides students with hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for success in a variety of industries. Through its 20 diverse programs, students develop technical skills, gain industry certifications and explore career pathways that align with their interests and the needs of the workforce.
Every Program of Study in Marshall County CTE works under a Simulated Workplace model. Students are kept to the highest industry standards in the classroom and use time clocks, create portfolios and are randomly drug screened.
The partnership between the West Virginia Department of Economic Development and the WVU Industrial Extension underscores the commitment to building a brighter future for West Virginia by investing in the leaders of tomorrow.
Staci Miller, Director of the WVU Industrial Extension, highlighted the practical benefits of the workshop: “We are excited to contribute to the growth of students at John Marshall High School by equipping them with hands-on experiences in process thinking and leadership. Our goal is to inspire these future leaders and help them develop the skills needed to excel both professionally and personally.”
This partnership reflects a shared vision of nurturing talent and leadership in West Virginia’s youth, paving the way for economic growth and community resilience.
The PL Day enhanced the real-world experiences that Marshall County CTE programs
aim to give the students. It was a special day for some of the county’s rising leaders in their industries.