Helping Our Undergraduates Succeed in Education (HOUSE)

West Virginia State University Extension Service offers two nationally unique programs for young adults who have faced challenges growing up and formerly homeless and battered women who want to begin their college education.  The Helping Our Undergraduates Succeed in Education (HOUSE) Program exists to help this audience achieve their goals by providing comprehensive, nurturing transitional housing programs.

Program Structure

HOUSE Phase I

Students will enroll in classes at WVSU to obtain a 2 year (Associate) or 4 year (Bachelor) degree in a variety of subjects available on campus. While attending classes, youth will spend their first two years living in the HOUSE facility. Students will have an opportunity to get accustomed to college life before moving into a residence hall or an apartment of their own. Basic living skills will be taught and practiced in the HOUSE, including time management, budgeting, study skills, and learning to access community resources. The added support of the HOUSE staff will make the transition into college an easier journey.

HOUSE is staffed by two full-time Resident Assistants who reside in the facility, a Basic Living Skills Instructor, and a Program Coordinator who oversees everyone in the HOUSE. The HOUSE can provide accommodations for six (6) students, with all rooms being double occupancy. There is a full kitchen, laundry room and living room area as well.

HOUSE Phase II

The formerly homeless and battered women participating in the HOUSE Phase II program have the opportunity to reside in their own apartment, located next to the facility for the young adults. This program serves traditional as well as nontraditional students.  There are three apartments: one two-bedroom and two one-bedroom units. Residents of the apartments may live there throughout the duration of obtaining their degree as long as they are a full-time student. The Program Coordinator provides the same services to these program participants as well.

Students are expected to pay a reasonable amount for their room and board at both HOUSE phases.  The Program Coordinator will assist the students in filing the proper paperwork to apply for federal grants to pay for tuition, fees and books. (Eligibility for grant programs is based on income and need.)

By the end of their first year of college, students will have gained the skills and confidence necessary to successfully continue their college education toward the ultimate goal of a degree.

HOUSE Program Eligibility Requirements

If you have your high school diploma or GED, attend or plan to attend West Virginia State University, and meet at least TWO of the following criteria, you could qualify to become a HOUSE resident:

• Age 18-24
• Lack family support
• Homeless
• History of domestic violence
• From rural area
• First generation attending college
• From a single parent household
• Previously in state's custody/DHHR/foster care
• Previously involved with the juvenile/criminal justice system
• Currently failing college courses

Contact Information

If you are interested in starting a college education, do not let this opportunity pass you by!

For more information or to apply, contact:

David Boyles, (304) 766-6994
HOUSE Program Coordinator

HOUSE and Phase II Program Application

HOUSE Program
206 ACEOP Admin. Bldg.
PO BOX 1000
Institute, WV 25112-1000