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Membership Benefits

Build Your Career. Find Your Community. First Ascent helps recent graduates launch meaningful careers, build lasting connections, and create a life they love in West Virginia.

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Career Growth

We have the tools to help you thrive professionally in your career. Set yourself up for success through mentorship programs with seasoned professionals, webinars and microcredentials, curated resources designed to support your professional aspirations, and more!

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Community and Connection

When making the transition into your professional career, a supportive community can make all the difference. To help you feel at home and find your place, join your fellow First Ascent members for a variety of social events and exclusive adventures all year round! Each First Ascent location has a dedicated Coordinator that creates weekly social events. There are also networking events, volunteer opportunities, and access to alumni connections. Our co-working spaces are the solution to your productivity and time-management challenges. Stop into any of our Base Camps to stay on top of your workload while also building your network!

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Outdoor Recreation & Adventure

West Virginia is an outdoor recreation playground, and First Ascent is here to help you get outside for your next adventure. We offer no cost gear rentals and curated group adventures throughout the year. These events are beginner friendly and invite you to get to know other program members. The mountains are calling!

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Entrepreneurship & Innovation

West Virginia prides itself on being an entrepreneur friendly state. First Ascent helps to connect members with entrepreneurial resources while they start and grow their businesses. Gain access to startup resources, networking events, the Entrepreneurship Ecosystem, pitch events and more!

Elevate Your Potential

Are you prepared to excel in the realm of hybrid or remote work? Say hello to the Remote Work Professional Microcredential, a focused four-week program that equips you with practical skills for self-leadership and success in remote and hybrid environments.

YOUR REMOTE WORK MICROCREDENTIAL IS:

Online & On-Time

Get ready for a hands-on learning experience. Our online, asynchronous modules bring you tangible skills that you can apply immediately.

Bite-Sized Learning, Maximum Impact

Each week, conquer two modules that cut to the chase. Pretests, post-tests, and engaging activities keep you dialed in and moving forward.

Connect & Network

Two live virtual sessions give you the chance to meet new people and learn how they navigate their own hybrid or remote work experience.

Go Beyond Theory

Earn your Remote Work Professional Microcredential at WVU and showcase your commitment to mastering remote and hybrid work dynamics.

Discover What West Virginia Has to Offer

Want to Make an Impact?

Make new friends and give back through amazing non-profits. Discover organizations and volunteer opportunities through your local United Way or the West Virginia Non-Profit Association.

Seek the Great Outdoors?

First Ascent will connect you with existing recreation groups in your area and help you kickstart your own adventures. Adventure abounds with the Hiking ProjectWV Tourism, and opportunities more specific to your home community.

Enjoy Like-Minded Professionals?

Check out local organizations to network through virtual and in-person meet ups for meaningful exchanges of resources and ideas, or check out other local opportunities in your region!

Love a Good Meal?

The West Virginian food scene has something for every palate! Not sure what's for dinner? Explore our state's culinary line up with Candace Lately, a blog highlighting local food culture across the state.

Ready to Build Your Future in West Virginia?

Join a community of graduates who are launching careers, making connections and creating lives the love across the Mountain State.

Apply Now