daily304 - Episode 03.20.23

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.  

Today is Wednesday, March 20, 2024.

Calling all out-of-state teachers: WV needs YOU and is offering some sweet incentives. Plan an adventure on the largest system of ATV trails on the East Coast. And spend spring break in Almost Heaven, at a WV state park or forest…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WVU TODAY – Teachers Ascend into West Virginia, a first-of-its-kind national program based at West Virginia University and designed to attract teachers to the Mountain State, is now accepting applications. 

Inspired and modeled by the success of Ascend West Virginia and other nationwide rural teacher corps initiatives, this two-year relocation program calls on teachers from across the country to move to West Virginia, teach in select K-12 schools, and find a meaningful work-life balance through shared community and outdoor adventure.

The program aims to address West Virginia’s teacher shortage while building on other successful initiatives across the region.

Those who qualify for the program will receive a $6,000 stipend and can obtain up to $4,050 in tuition assistance for continued educational opportunities through the WVU College of Applied Sciences.

Cohort members will also have access to success coaches, mentors, professional development support and a concierge service for additional summer employment opportunities. The Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative will also offer free outdoor recreational equipment, co-working space, and regular social, outdoor and community building activities.

Read more:

https://wvutoday.wvu.edu/stories/2024/03/13/teachers-from-across-us-invited-to-teach-live-and-play-in-west-virginia

#2 – From WBOY-TV – Off-road enthusiasts will truly find West Virginia to be Almost Heaven. In addition to its rugged beauty, the Mountain State also has the largest system of ATV trails on the East Coast.

Named after the infamous bitter family feud that took place over 150 years ago in the Tug River Valley, the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System has more than 1,000 miles of trails, making it the largest ATV trail system in the eastern part of the United States.

The trail system, which is made up of 10 trails and is still growing, cuts through the mountainous terrain of southern West Virginia. Each trail offers its own distinct personality, from leisurely and scenic to a heart-pounding adrenaline rush.

One of the newest trails, the Cabwaylingo Trail, is the first trail in the Hatfield-McCoy trail system to be located within a state forest. Visit wvstateparks.com or wvtourism.com to learn more about lodging, dining, and things to do near the trails. 

Read more:

https://www.wboy.com/wv-outdoors/west-virginia-has-the-largest-atv-trail-system-in-the-eastern-united-states/#:~:text=Named%20after%20the%20infamous%20bitter,part%20of%20the%20United%20States.

 

#3 – From WV STATE PARKS – Spring is in the air and you’re out of school for a whole week! Take a break from the study grind and escape to the mountains of Almost Heaven. Whether you’re a college student planning an adventure with friends, or a family spending quality time with younger children, you’ll find the perfect, budget-friendly escape at a West Virginia state park or forest.

Get back to nature where your whole crew can roast marshmallows by the campfire and fall asleep listening to the sounds of the night at Camp Creek State Park and Forest.

Got kids who are just learning to ride mountain bikes? Plan a spring break family ride on the North Bend Rail Trail near North Bend State Park.

Meanwhile, Cacapon Resort State Park is fast becoming one of the top mountain biking destinations in the east, with an extensive system of single-track and a skills course area.

Head over to wvstateparks.com to learn more about our beautiful state parks and forests. You can even reserve lodging online!

Read more:

https://wvstateparks.com/start-planning-your-spring-break-getaway-at-a-west-virginia-state-park

 

Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304.

The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. 

That’s all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.