Breaking: Federal grant propels cloud computing program at West Virginia University at Parkersburg
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December 19,2025
West virginia University at Parkersburg has secured a federal grant exceeding $800,000 from teh National Science Foundation to create a new associate degree pathway centered on cloud computing careers.
The three‑year initiative will train students in Amazon Web Services technologies, cloud architecture, networking, security adn automation tools. It aims to prepare graduates for roles such as cloud support technician, cloud systems specialist and junior solutions architect.
University president Torie Jackson described the program as a milestone for students, highlighting a partnership with AWS that supports a two‑year Cloud Computing degree pathway. she said aligning with industry‑standard curricula will help Mid-Ohio Valley students develop globally marketable skills.
Beyond coursework, the NSF grant will fund new technology acquisitions and the hiring of two faculty members specializing in cloud computing, along with a student success coach to bolster program outcomes.
Impact and opportunities
The grant signals a strategic commitment to building cloud computing expertise in a region with expanding tech needs. Graduates can enter a global job market with in‑demand capabilities in cloud operations, security and automation.
Program snapshot
| Institution | West Virginia University at Parkersburg |
|---|---|
| Funding | Over $800,000 |
| Source | National Science Foundation |
| Focus | Cloud computing: AWS technologies, architecture, networking, security, automation |
| Duration | Three years |
| Target roles | Cloud support technician, cloud systems specialist, junior solutions architect |
| New positions | Two cloud‑focused faculty, student success coach |
For broader context on federal funding for tech education, explore resources from the National Science Foundation and Amazon Web Services.
Readers curious about the future of cloud careers: What specific path would you pursue after completing this degree? And how can regional colleges broaden access to high‑demand tech programs?
Program Structure & Curriculum Highlights
.WVU Parkersburg Secures $800K NSF Grant to Launch Cloud computing Associate Degree
Grant Overview & Funding Source
- Award Amount: $800,000 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) - 2025 NSF/Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program.
- Purpose: To develop a two‑year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Cloud Computing that aligns with industry standards and addresses the regional talent gap in cloud‑based IT services.
- Timeline: Program design phase (Q1‑Q2 2025),curriculum rollout (Fall 2025),first cohort enrollment (Spring 2026).
Program Structure & Curriculum Highlights
- Core Courses (18 credits)
- Introduction to Cloud Architecture
- Virtualization & Containerization Fundamentals
- cloud Security & Compliance
- Platform‑specific Tracks (12 credits, optional)
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) solutions Architect
- Microsoft Azure Infrastructure Services
- Google Cloud platform (GCP) Data Engineering
- Hands‑On Labs & Capstone projects (6 credits)
- Real‑world deployment of multi‑tier applications in a hybrid cloud environment.
- Collaborative capstone with local enterprises (e.g., data center migration, SaaS integration).
- Professional Development (3 credits)
- Technical writing for cloud documentation
- Project management (Agile & Scrum basics)
- Interview preparation & certification pathways
industry Partnerships & Real‑world Experience
- Strategic Alliances: AWS,Microsoft Azure,Google cloud,and regional cloud service providers (e.g., Accenture Federal Services).
- Internship Pipeline: Guaranteed summer internships for 80 % of students, with priority placement at partner firms throughout the Mid‑Atlantic.
- Advisory Board: Comprises CIOs from Parkersburg’s top manufacturers, healthcare IT managers, and government IT officials to ensure curriculum relevance.
Career Pathways & Employment Outlook
- Projected Job Growth: Cloud computing occupations expected to grow 23 % nationally (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025).
- Typical Roles for Graduates:
- Cloud Support Engineer
- Junior Cloud Administrator
- DevOps Associate
- Cloud security Analyst (entry‑level)
- Starting Salary Range: $55,000 - $68,000 (average for entry‑level cloud positions in West Virginia, 2025).
Student Support Services & Enrollment Process
- Eligibility: High school diploma or GED; open to adult learners and career changers.
- Submission Steps:
- Submit online application via WVU Parkersburg Admissions portal.
- Upload transcripts and proof of English proficiency (if applicable).
- Complete the NSSE‑style questionnaire to assess readiness for technical coursework.
- Financial Aid:
- NSF grant covers up to 50 % of tuition for the first two cohorts.
- Additional scholarships: TechBridge West Virginia and Cloud Futures Scholarship (up to $2,500 per student).
- Student Resources: Dedicated Cloud Computing Lab,24/7 virtual lab access,mentorship program pairing each student with an industry professional.
economic Impact on Parkersburg & West Virginia
- Workforce Development: Expected to create 120 + cloud‑qualified jobs within three years, bolstering the region’s tech ecosystem.
- Business Retention: Local firms gain a pipeline of certified talent, reducing reliance on out‑of‑state hires and lowering recruitment costs by an estimated 30 %.
- Community Growth: Increased enrollment attracts ancillary services (housing, retail), contributing an estimated $3 M annual economic boost (West Virginia Economic development Authority, 2025).
Practical Tips for prospective Students
- Get Certified Early: Begin preparing for AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner or Azure Fundamentals while completing foundational courses.
- Leverage Lab Time: Use the unlimited virtual lab environment to build a portfolio of cloud projects-essential for job interviews.
- Network Actively: Attend the quarterly Cloud Connect networking events hosted on campus; they frequently enough lead to internship offers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| When does the program officially start? | First cohort begins Fall 2025; applications open May 2025. |
| Is prior programming experience required? | No; the program starts with fundamentals and includes a beginner‑pleasant coding module (Python for Cloud Automation). |
| Can the degree be completed part‑time? | Yes-students may opt for a part‑time track (12 credits per semester) and still graduate within three years. |
| What certifications can be earned thru the program? | AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate, Microsoft Azure Administrator, Google Cloud professional Data Engineer (exam fees covered for eligible students). |
| Will the NSF grant affect tuition for future cohorts? | The grant fully funds tuition for the first two cohorts; subsequent cohorts will return to standard in‑state tuition rates, with continued scholarship opportunities. |
