SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — BridgeValley Community & Technical College proudly celebrates its 12th Annual Founder’s Day on March 20, marking more than a decade of providing accessible, high-quality education and workforce training across Fayette, Kanawha, Clay, and Putnam counties.
BridgeValley was officially established on March 20, 2014, following the merger of Bridgemont Community and Technical College and Kanawha Valley Community and Technical College, bringing together a shared legacy of community and technical education in the region.
“Founder’s Day is an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come and to celebrate the students, faculty, staff, and partners who continue to shape our future,” said Suzette Breeden, interim president of BridgeValley Community & Technical College. “BridgeValley was built on a mission to meet the workforce and educational needs of West Virginia, and that commitment remains stronger than ever.”
Today, BridgeValley serves approximately 2,000 students annually across its campuses in South Charleston and Montgomery, supporting learners throughout Kanawha, Clay, Putnam, and Fayette counties as designated in West Virginia state code. The college offers a range of degree and certificate programs, short-term credentials, and customized workforce training aligned with high-demand fields including healthcare, advanced manufacturing, business, and technology.
BridgeValley serves as the education partner in West Virginia’s only FAME (Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education) chapter, working in collaboration with the Putnam County Development Authority and leading employers such as Toyota, Nucor, Niterra, and ProLift Toyota to deliver hands-on, work-based learning that directly connects students to in-demand careers. The college also maintains partnerships with dozens of regional employers and advisory board members, including Dow, WVU Medicine, and Vandalia Health, ensuring programs remain responsive to workforce needs.
Through its implementation of ASAP (Accelerated Study in Associate Programs), a nationally recognized student success model, BridgeValley has achieved 18% higher completion rates, 15% higher retention rates, and 7% more earned credit hours among participating students compared to non-participants.
BridgeValley continues to invest in hands-on, high-quality learning through initiatives such as the Booker T. Washington Nursing Wing and a mobile EMS training unit, expanding access to state-of-the-art training environments and bringing education directly into the communities it serves. These efforts ensure students gain real-world experience while preparing for in-demand careers across the region.
As BridgeValley celebrates 12 years, the institution remains focused on expanding access, strengthening partnerships, and supporting student success across southern West Virginia.
To learn more about BridgeValley Community & Technical College, visit www.bridgevalley.edu.