Elementary School Champion

What does it take to be an Elementary School Champion? 

College for West Virginia (CFWV) coordinates three annual college-planning milestones to help students in West Virginia plan their pathway to education or training beyond high school.

Elementary schools that successfully participate in all these pathway events will be recognized as a CFWV Champion of College Access and Success.

The path to glory 

To be recognized, elementary schools must do the following: 

College Application and Exploration Week

College Application and Exploration Week allows the entire school community to discuss college options and promote college-going. Students attending all grades, from pre-K to adult education centers, participate in this initiative to learn about colleges and careers. Hundreds of schools statewide participate each year. This campaign typically occurs in early fall.  

Register for and participate in College Application and Exploration Week 

Registration Deadline: October 24, 2025

Complete the College Application and Exploration Week post-event survey deadline: January 16, 2026

School-wide or County-wide Career Day

Career days give students an up-close look at different career paths and connect their learning to the real world. By asking their neighbors, community members, and business partners to come into the classroom to share information about their careers and the education and training needed to be successful, students will be better informed when making their own decisions.  

Event Date Deadline: by April of 2026

Registration:  October 24, 2025

Post-event survey deadline: April 24, 2026

Proclamation Day

Hold a Proclamation Day similar to the College Decision Day at your school.  Students will sign their proclamations during the assembly.  Use the assembly time to invite a guest speaker, such as a college recruiter or community member, to speak on college and career pathways. The elementary school counselor could talk about some of the many available educational pathways. 

A Proclamation Day Banner will be created and mailed for schools to utilize, stating, “I will pursue some form of training, military service, or college coursework after I graduate from high school.” 

Registration: October 24, 2025

Event Date Deadline: May 2026

Post survey:  May 2026