EPIC Grant and Partners make the LaunchPad Possible

The LaunchPad, a transformative micro business complex adjacent to Moorefield High School, was funded in part by West Virginia Department of Education’s Economic Projects Impacting Communities (EPIC) grant and aims to address local workforce challenges and enhance students' technical skills through the Simulated Workplace educational initiative.

This dynamic micro business complex serves as a platform for Hardy County's Simulated Workplace companies, addresses local hiring barriers, and provides career and technical students with opportunities to showcase their knowledge and skills. The primary objective of the complex is to foster positive economic impact within our local community while empowering students to take ownership of their performance in an authentic workplace environment. In January 2023, a naming contest commenced for the venue. Names were judged for creativity, clarity, and relevance to simulated workplaces. 'The LaunchPad' was chosen as the contest winner by public vote. Jasmine Baldwin, a business student at Moorefield High School and a West Virginia DECA state officer, submitted the winning name.

The LaunchPad is entirely managed by simulated workplace student employees and offers diverse project opportunities for our community. Hardy County's CTE students and teachers from multiple programs originally joined efforts under the “Hardy United” banner to design the micro buildings that make up the complex and laid the groundwork for the variety of goods and services available today. Now, goods and services from East Hardy High School, Moorefield High School, and Moorefield Middle School are featured at the LaunchPad. The three agriculture programs have united to provide seasonal products that support farm-to-table initiatives and horticulture goods, restaurant management and baking and pastries students from both high schools produce cottage foods from their classroom kitchens and provide catering services, and business programs offer school spirit apparel for purchase and custom business solutions to business and community partners.

The development of the LaunchPad involved key community partners that provided funding or in-kind contributions. These partnerships signify a collaborative effort to drive economic development, innovation, and educational excellence in Hardy County.

Organization Partners:

• East Hardy High School Broadcasting Program

• Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College^

• Environmental Protection Agency

• Hardy County Board of Education

• Hardy County Chamber

• Hardy County Commission

• Hardy County Public Service District

• Hardy County Rural Development Authority^

• Hampshire County High School Simulated Workplace 'Hammer Time' and 'Trojan Media'

• Putnam Career & Technical Center Drafting Program

• South Branch Career and Technical Center

• The Rubenstein Center Simulated Workplaces 'Blackwater Construction Company' and 'Revolutionary Ink'

• Town of Moorefield

• United States Department of Agriculture

• WV Community Development HUB

• WV Department of Agriculture

• WV Department of Education

Business Partners:

• AdvantageTech

• American Woodmark^

• Bryson Fencing

• Capon Valley Bank^

• Central Tie & Lumber

• FarmTek

• Glass Service of Cumberland

• Grillin' Time BBQ^

• HardyTelecommunications^

• Markwood Construction

• Petersburg Block

• Pilgrim's^

• South Branch Inn^

• South Branch Cattle and Meat Co.^

• Summit Community Bank^

• Tractor Supply

• Tri County Tool Rentals

• Walmart Store #269611

• Weimer Automotive Group

• White Barn Farm Market

  ^ CTE County Local Needs Assessment Member

Superintendent Dr. Sheena Van Meter expressed her enthusiasm for the complex, stating, "The LaunchPad represents a pivotal step in aligning education with the needs of our community. By providing students with real-world experiences, we are ensuring their college and career readiness, setting the stage for their future success.”

CTE Director for Hardy County Schools, Jessica Markwood, emphasized the multiple layers of benefits The LaunchPad creates. From an employer perspective, it allows "window shopping" for future workforce. Students gain real-world experience and work skills training while earning work-based learning hours. CTE Advisors benefit from program standard alignment beyond the classroom environment and limitless fundraising opportunities for their student organizations. The community gains an economic development model and access to new products, services, and equipment.

Weekly hours of operation and student manager schedules are conveniently posted on-site and on affiliated social media platforms. Students eager to join us should submit an application (available here) and undergo a successful interview process before the next academic year begins. Businesses looking to collaborate with us are encouraged to fill out our business partner interest survey, available here.