Science Adventure School
Ascend WV launched in 2021 through a partnership between Brad and Alys Smith’s Wing 2 Wing Foundation, West Virginia University, the Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative (OEDC), and the West Virginia Department of Tourism. The program welcomes remote workers to relocate to West Virginia.
West Virginia is often referred to as “Almost Heaven” because of the famous opening line of John Denver’s 1971 song “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” True to the moniker, the state offers residents some of the country’s most scenic mountain landscapes, along with a community of remote professionals participating in the Ascend WV program.
What is the Ascend Heroes Initiative?
An initiative of the Ascend WV program, Ascend Heroes welcomes military veterans, including remote workers, to relocate to West Virginia. Veterans who participate in the program can receive a $12,000 incentive to move to one of the five West Virginia regions participating in the program.
Ascend WV participants can choose from several participating West Virginia regions, including:
- Morgantown Area
- New River Gorge
- Eastern Panhandle
- Greater Elkins
- Greenbrier Valley
Other benefits include outdoor recreation experiences, free membership to a coworking space with other remote professionals, and social programming. The goal of the program is not only to make West Virginia a hub for technology workers, but also to build a sense of belonging in the Mountain State.
Learn more about Ascend Heroes on the Ascend WV website and keep up with Wing 2 Wing Foundation by following Brad D. Smith on X and Instagram or check out his YouTube.