Mission West Virginia
e-Commerce Tech Academy Program

Mission West Virginia (www.missionwv.org) and the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) announced June 29, 2006 that they had launched a technology academy that will provide skills specific training in e-commerce applications for small businesses and entrepreneurs throughout the state. The training program is a result of assistance from ARC and the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, while the training labs will be equipped with upgraded software provided by a donation from Microsoft. 

A major benefit of the training program is the provision by Verizon of new computers to participants in the academy in addition to its grants promoting computer literacy for adults and small business. The computers will not only assist in the training program but will provide an incentive for completing the course requirements.  They can then be used to further develop computer skills at home and in the workplace.

The total assistance being provided by ARC and its partners to make the launch of the tech academy possible is over $950,000.

Participants in the Tech Academy will be selected according to their records in promoting collaboration, responding to community needs, and demonstrating good planning.

Potential applicants should contact Mission West Virginia at 304-562-0723.