Learn and Earn
The Learn and Earn program offers students the opportunity to gain work experience while completing their degree program through a state-funded grant. The Learn and Earn program is sponsored by the West Virginia Community and Technical College System, and is part of the Workforce Development Initiative Program. It is an opportunity to create partnerships between industry and community and technical colleges by allowing students to receive hands-on learning experience, and employers to train potential future employees. West Virginia University at Parkersburg currently has three active Learn and Earn programs.
Chemical & Polymer Operator Technology
The Chemical & Polymer Operator Technology Learn and Earn program is a 32-hour Certificate of Applied Science. The hands-on program prepares individuals to enter the process operator/technician field. On-the-job training for students is arranged with employers in the chemical and polymer industry. Current participating companies include DuPont and Chemours. Students will complete alternating semesters of classroom work and training. Applicants must meet minimum requirements for enrollment. Call 304-424-8299 or 304-424-8226 for more information.
Computer Information Technology
The CIT Learn and Earn program offers students the opportunity to gain work experience while completing their Computer and Information Technology (CIT) associate degree (Click here for the academic map). During their second year of the associate degree program, students have the opportunity to apply for paid internships through the Learn and Earn program.
Students interested in participating will submit their resumes to Doug Rhodes, one of our CIT faculty members. The students will be interviewed by participating companies. Selected students are given flexible work rotations to allow them to continue their degree coursework.
On the job, students will perform work such as infrastructure upgrades, technology support and troubleshooting. Students may work up to 1,200 hours at these partner companies, and receive wages during the internship period. Learn and Earn also gives the companies the opportunity to evaluate students as potential hires after graduation. Companies currently participating in our CIT Learn and Earn are Chemours, Woodcraft, iTech, Ntiva, and Westbrook Health Services.
For more information about the CIT Learn and Earn program, please contact Doug Rhodes at 304-424-8330 or doug.rhodes@wvup.edu.
Computer Science
The Computer Science Learn and Earn program offers students the opportunity to gain work experience while completing their Computer Science (CS) associate degree (Click here for academic map). During their second year of the associate degree program, students have the opportunity to apply for paid internships through the Learn and Earn program. Students interested in participating will submit their resumes to Charles Almond, one of our CS faculty members. The students will be interviewed and selected students are given flexible work rotations to allow them to continue their degree coursework.
For more information about the CS Learn and Earn program, please contact Charles Almond at 304-424-8239 or charles.almond@wvup.edu.
- Complete an online admission application.
- Complete the Learn and Earn application found below.
- Complete a Drug/Alcohol and Background Check.
- If you are a transfer student from another college, send all official previous college transcripts to the Center for Student Services at WVU Parkersburg.
- Visit ed.gov to file your application for financial aid. For best results, file as soon as you apply for admission.
- If you have any questions, please call 304-424-8299.
Fill out the application below:
Mail to:
WVU Parkersburg
STEM Divison
ATTN: Elizabeth Knick
300 Campus Drive
Parkersburg, WV 26104
You may also drop the application off in the STEM office or email to elizabethknick@wvup.edu or jared.gump@wvup.edu.
Yes, you will qualify for financial aid based on the semester you begin.
Yes. The second and fourth semesters consist of the co-op section of this program, working at either DuPont or The Chemours Company.
As a Chemical and Polymer Operator Technology student, you will be paid approximately $16.09 per hour for approximately 40 hours a week for a full semester. The summer semester will be 13 weeks and the fall is 16 weeks. That is approximately $8,367 for the summer and $10,298 for the fall semester, for a total of approximately $18,665 for 2 semesters.
First semester: Full-term semester (16 weeks for fall and spring, 13 for summer) in class at WVU Parkersburg.
Second Semester: Full-term semester (16 weeks for fall and spring, 13 for summer) at the co-op (DuPont or Chemours) for approximately 40 hours per week.
Third Semester: Full-term semester (16 weeks for fall and spring, 13 for summer) in class at WVU Parkersburg.
Fourth Semester: Full-term semester (16 weeks for fall and spring, 13 for summer) at the co-op (DuPont or Chemours) for approximately 40 hours per week.
Admission to the Chemical and Polymer Operator Technician Learn and Earn program at WVU Parkersburg is open to students who meet the following requirements:
- Fully admitted to WVU Parkersburg
- Successfully pass a drug screening.
- Successfully pass a criminal background check – No criminal convictions within the last seven (7) years.
Contact Details
Career Services
Room 1407
304-424-8246
careerservices@wvup.edu
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