The College of St. Joseph the Worker, a Catholic institution based in Steubenville, Ohio, has been awarded a significant $5 million grant from the state of West Virginia.
The funding aims to support a wide range of initiatives, including the creation of a nonprofit construction company to provide job training and educational opportunities for students, as well as the establishment of a pro-life public policy research center.
College’s Vision for the Future
This generous grant, approved unanimously by the West Virginia Water Development Authority (WDA) in October, was made possible through the state’s Economic Enhancement Grant Fund.
The fund was established in 2022 using resources from the federal American Rescue Plan Act.
According to the College of St. Joseph the Worker, the funds will support the development of projects that not only benefit students but also serve the local community in a meaningful way.
“We are extremely grateful to the state of West Virginia for this incredible economic development grant,” said the college in a statement.
The college plans to invest more than $10 million into these projects, which include the construction company and educational initiatives.
Nonprofit Construction Company to Benefit Students
One of the primary focuses of the grant is the creation of a nonprofit construction company in Weirton, West Virginia, located near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border.
More than $2.1 million of the grant will go toward developing this company, which will employ students while they learn valuable trade skills.
The company aims to support revitalization efforts in the Ohio Valley, especially in areas that may not attract traditional for-profit construction companies.
As a mission-driven organization, the company plans to take on projects of historical and cultural significance that other businesses may overlook.
The proposal estimates the company will create approximately 200 apprentice positions and between 50 and 100 full-time construction jobs.
Educational Investment and Job Training Opportunities
In addition to the construction company, over $1.6 million of the grant will be directed toward educational investments in West Virginia.
This includes the purchase of training facilities in Weirton to expand the college’s construction trade programs.
The college offers training in various fields such as HVAC, carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and masonry.
The college plans to partner with local tradesmen and contractors in West Virginia to help place students in apprenticeships upon graduation.
The goal is for at least 20% of graduating students to be from West Virginia, with many returning to the state to work in their communities.
The grant will also fund scholarships for West Virginia students and support the renovation of student housing.
Pro-Life Research Center to Promote Life-Affirming Policies
In addition to its educational and vocational initiatives, the grant will also support the creation of a pro-life public policy research center.
The Center for the Common Good will focus on advancing life-affirming policies in West Virginia.
About $1 million of the grant will fund this center, as well as the development of a bioethics certificate for continuing education in fields such as medicine and psychotherapy.
While this initiative has garnered support from many, some West Virginia Democrats have voiced opposition.
Delegate Joey Garcia criticized the use of taxpayer money for a “partisan center for ‘conservative public policy,'” arguing that West Virginia colleges could utilize the funds for similar programs.
Garcia also questioned the legality of the grant approval process, claiming that the WDA did not follow the proper statutory procedures, as the grant did not have a written recommendation from key state officials.
Despite the controversy, the WDA’s Executive Director, Marie L. Prezioso, defended the decision, stating that while there was no written recommendation, she had received verbal confirmation from a cabinet secretary.
Moving Forward with the Project
The College of St. Joseph the Worker is excited about the impact these projects will have on both the educational and economic landscapes of West Virginia.
The combination of job training, educational opportunities, and pro-life advocacy is expected to create long-term positive changes in the region, benefiting both students and the local community.