West Virginia University Institute of Technology (WVU Tech) and Communiversity partner Pendleton Community Bank (PCB) is helping to make higher education even more affordable for Leadership Fayette County (LFC) graduates.
On May 14, 2026, the latest class of LFC graduated at a ceremony at the Gaines Estate in Fayetteville. Once students complete the program during their junior year of high school, they earn a $1,000 scholarship from partners and sponsors.
Dr. T. Ramon Stuart, President of WVU Tech, as well as two current employees, Amy Holly Alton and Molly Bates Farrell, from WVU Tech who graduated the program more than a decade ago, announced each of the graduates from LFC are considered Presidential Scholars at WVU Tech and will receive an additional $1,000 scholarship match if they decide to enroll at WVU Tech.
“We are excited for this partnership to help students who have benefited greatly from the LFC program to also get a high-quality and affordable education close to home,” says Stuart. “WVU Tech is the most affordable four-year university in Southern WV and has the highest return on investment in the state, and we are proud to help further reduce the cost of their college degree.”
When WVU Tech’s signature Communiversity partner PCB heard about this investment in the education of LFC graduates, the bank stepped forward with an additional $500 scholarship for LFC students who want to study at WVU Tech, bringing the total scholarship to $2,500 for LFC graduates who wish to attend WVU Tech. This financial contribution is part of PCB’s broader Communiversity partnership and demonstrates the positive impact possible when higher education and community partners work hand in hand to support and strengthen our region.
“At PCB, we believe strong communities are built by investing in future generations. We are proud to partner with WVU Tech through Communiversity to support Leadership Fayette County graduates as they continue their education and leadership journeys. This scholarship reflects our commitment to helping local students succeed and strengthening the communities we serve for years to come. As Your Bank for Generations®, supporting education and opportunity is at the heart of who we are,” says CEO of PCB, William A. Loving.
Since its inception in 2002, Leadership Fayette County has graduated nearly 300 students from the program. Originally modeled after Leadership West Virginia, the selection process involves submitting an application and participating in an interview. Top students from each high school in Fayette County are selected for a cohort in their junior year, where they participate in sessions focused on public speaking, leadership, and service.
"The mission of Leadership Fayette County is to inspire our students to help move the county forward. Our vision is to empower our youth to believe in their own capabilities so that they can achieve an education, experiences, and skills that will one day benefit our communities,” explains Dr. Mandy Wriston, who is the lead mentor and curriculum developer for LFC. “This new partnership with WVU Tech and PCB will help our program to achieve these goals on an entirely different level."
The partnership between LFC and WVU Tech began during the LFC College Readiness session.
“For the first time, we put together a panel of experts and decision makers that included Dr. Stuart,” said Wriston. “He was so impressed with our Fayette County students as they showed their level of curiosity, maturity, and respect for the panel’s time.”
Alexiana Brunty, a LFC graduate from Meadow Bridge High School, said the program was invaluable to her and her high school experience.
“Leadership of Fayette County was an amazing experience for me. It helped me become better with public speaking, and the matching scholarship to WVU Tech along with the $500 from PCB was more than I was expecting,” says Brunty.
Mia Calloway, another graduate of LFC from Oak Hill High School, said she joined for new opportunities, and the scholarships will help her have more new opportunities in the future.
“I joined Leadership Fayette County for new opportunities, and LFC provided just that. I’m beyond thankful for every chance that has been presented to me. Take every chance you get,” says Calloway.
“I am extremely appreciative of this opportunity I have been given. LFC was a great experience and am excited about the partnership with WVU Tech, as that is the school I want to go to,” said Rykard Wood, a LFC graduate from Midland Trail High School.
One graduate said that LFC changed her mind about leaving West Virginia after graduation.
“Although it had once been my goal to leave West Virginia after graduation, LFC has truly shown me how much Fayette County has to offer, which has made me so grateful to have grown up here. My experiences in LFC have changed my plans for the future by making me realize how wonderful it would be to stay here through adulthood,” said Hallie Allen from Oak Hill High School.
“We want to ensure that the best and brightest students stay in Southern WV, and it is important that they have access to an affordable education. Students like the ones who graduate from Leadership Fayette County will shape the future of our region, and we need young leaders like them to step forward and create positive change,” says Stuart.
To learn more about Leadership Fayette County, visit leadershipfayettecounty.com.
To learn more about Pendelton Community Bank, visit www.yourbank.bank.
To learn more about WVU Tech, visit www.wvutech.edu.