TechHire Program Launched in Appalachian Region

This past June, the Obama Administration announced the launch of South Central Appalachian TechHire, an effort to develop and prepare tech talent in western North Carolina and Southwest Virginia. The Appalachian Regional Commission, the University of Virginia’s College at Wise and private sector employers aim to jointly place over 50 individuals into tech jobs over the next year and 400 into tech positions by 2020, according to the White House blog.

The Obama Administration also announced $150 million in TechHire grants, of which over $30 million will serve rural areas. South Charleston, W.Va., for example, will receive $4 million to help young adults in former coal mining counties train for high-paying technology positions.

— Hannah Petersen