CHARLESTON, W.Va. –Ascend West Virginia, a program aimed at bringing remote workers to the Mountain State, is expanding in a major way.
Tuesday afternoon, Governor Patrick Morrisey, Marshall University President Brad Smith, state Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby, and others gathered at the 130th Airlift Wing in Charleston to announce the launch of the Ascend Heroes program, an extension of the original initiative.
The program was started in 2021 by Smith and his wife Alys Smith.
The goal of the program is to attract U.S. veterans who have served the country.
Morrisey said the program aims to build on the success Ascend West Virginia has already achieved. He said the program has generated about 90,000 applications since launching and has welcomed 1,400 individuals from 48 states and eight countries.
Morrisey said the program paves the way for other states while showcasing West Virginia’s future through its success.
“This program is being wildly successful, where others, have tried things like this in the past, failed,” he said. “I think that tells you something about the future of West Virginia, people are coming here, people are putting down roots, and people are building their lives in the Mountain State.”
He said veterans who apply to the program will receive a $20,000 incentive.
“With the flexibility to receive these funds or use them to help purchase a home,” Morrisey said. “Participants can locate across the Mountain State in specific regions in Charleston, in Greenbrier, in the Eastern Panhandle, Morgantown and quite frankly anywhere.”
Smith said the program aims to attract 145 military veterans to the state.
He said the Ascend WV program and the Ascend Heroes program have a significant impact on the economy.
“The estimated impact is a little over half a billion dollars, because over 40 percent of them have purchased homes to make this their forever home, they bring an average income of $109 thousand dollars, and they’re collectively participating in our communities, they’re starting businesses, they’re shopping at our small businesses, and they’re making us stronger each and every day,” Smith said.
Morrisey said West Virginia needs to focus on growing its economy, population, and workforce.
He said the program is a first step in that direction.
“These are in the number one challenges that we have, this program is designed to address those very issues,” Morrisey said. “If we want to grow our economy we must grow our workforce.”
Smith said the launch of the new program is significant because West Virginia consistently supports those who serve and also steps up when they are needed to serve.
“What makes this program special, is West Virginians don’t just support those who serve, West Virginians are those who have serve, in a nation that is filled with volunteers, West Virginia has consistently ranked amongst the highest in those willing to step forward and serve this great nation,” he said.
To learn more about both programs you can visit Ascend WV’s website here.