About
HEROs stands for Higher Education Readiness Officers. HEROs groups are school clubs that focus on building a stronger college-going culture in their schools and communities.
HEROs…
- Help their classmates learn about college options, including two-year and four-year degrees, certificate programs, career and technical programs, apprenticeships, and military service.
- Organize events for CFWV’s statewide College Application and Exploration Week.
- Build awareness of financial aid opportunities and the importance of completing the FAFSA.
Defining “college”
When we talk about college, we mean any sort of high-quality training beyond high school. This includes certificate programs, two-year associate’s degree programs, and four-year bachelor’s degree programs.
Why it matters…
Many people think that making sure every student has a chance to pursue a college education is one of the greatest civil rights issues of this generation. College graduates…
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- earn more
- tend to have jobs they like
- tend to be healthier and happier
- are more likely to be involved in their communities
But too few West Virginians go on to earn a college degree. As a state, we are missing out on the opportunities that college provides. Our future depends on getting more students to — and through — college. By 2021, more than 51 percent of all jobs in West Virginia will require an associate degree or higher. Right now, only 29 percent of West Virginians have a degree.
What’s the problem?
In the past, attending college was pretty exclusive. Most students who attended college were from wealthier families. Although that system might not have been fair, it worked out ok… at least in terms of economics. Back then, there were plenty of good-paying jobs for high school grads. Now, the workforce has changed and most high-paying jobs require education and training beyond high school. That means ALL students should be pursuing a college diploma.
But here’s the big problem: preparing for college takes a lot of knowledge and planning. Students who are the first in their family to go don’t have a parent who can offer them advice from personal experience. So states like West Virginia, who have a lot of first-generation college students, have to work harder to make sure their students are college-ready. That’s where the HEROs come in…
Your Mission
As a HERO, it’s your job to promote a college-going culture that supports students in the college-going process and encourages them to dream big and earn a certificate or diploma.
The Payoff
College changes lives. By helping your classmates pursue their dreams, you’re giving them a brighter future and creating a better West Virginia! (Plus, we’ll give you a free t-shirt.)
Why should YOU get involved?
College changes lives. By helping your classmates pursue their dreams, you’re giving them a brighter future and creating a better West Virginia! Plus, you’ll be building your own leadership skills and beefing up your resume while you do it! And if that’s not enough, we’ll give you a free HEROs t-shirt to sweeten the deal.
Joining your school’s HEROs club? Make sure you register!