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scend West Virginia, a statewide talent attraction and retention program that seeks remote workers from around the nation, is now seeking recruits to come to West Virginia's capital city.
On Friday, representatives made the announcement in a press conference at Capitol Market.
Founded by West Virginia native and Marshall University president Brad D. Smith and his wife Alys, Ascend WV offers recruits more than $20,000 in incentives to move to various parts of the Mountain State.
Charleston joins a lineup of five other communities that together have welcomed more than 900 to West Virginia, according to officials. Representatives with Ascend say that more than 96 percent of participants remain in West Virginia after completing the program. Selected participants have an average income exceeding $97,000, and many bring a spouse, child or other relative with them in the move to the state.
“We launched Ascend WV with a vision to share the boundless opportunities and welcoming spirit of West Virginia with remote workers from across the country," Brad Smith said in a press release. "Charleston represents the heart of our state—a place where innovation, culture, and adventure thrive together. We’re excited to see new residents discover what makes our capital city, and the Mountain State as a whole, an extraordinary place to live, work, and play."
Applications for the Charleston program opened on Friday, Sept. 5.
“Ascend WV is about more than just relocation—it’s about building community, fostering new connections, and empowering people to create fuller, more meaningful lives," Alys Smith said. "Charleston’s vibrant culture and access to outdoor recreation make it a perfect fit for our program, and we can’t wait to welcome the next group of Ascenders who will call it home."
The Ascend WV program was previously made possible by a $25 million gift by the Smiths. Together with the West Virginia Tourism and Economic Development departments, the Smiths developed the only program in the country that focuses on outdoor recreation opportunities for talent attraction and retention.
As part of the recruitment process, candidates are offered a $12,000 cash relocation incentive, paid in installments over a two-year period. Participants are also granted two full years of free state recreational opportunities, including $1,200 in free outdoor gear rentals and the opportunity to participate in curated outdoor recreation excursions and social activities; access to a coworking space; and the ability to earn remote work certifications through West Virginia University and access to the John Chambers College of Business and Economics entrepreneurship program.
In addition to Charleston, other West Virginia program locations include the New River Gorge area, greater Elkins, Morgantown, the Eastern Panhandle area and the Greenbrier Valley.
State and local leaders have voiced their approval of Ascend WV's expansion into the capital city.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the Charleston area as the newest Ascend WV community,” Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Tourism Chelsea Ruby said in a release. “Our capital city offers the best of both worlds – vibrant arts, culture and dining along with quick access to incredible outdoor recreation. Charleston’s energy and warmth not only draw visitors in, but also inspire them to stay, making it the perfect place for remote workers to put down roots and join the growing family of Ascend members who are calling West Virginia home.”
Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin echoed Ruby's sentiment.
“Bringing Ascend WV to the Charleston area is an incredible opportunity to strengthen our economy and support local businesses across our communities," Goodwin said. "As more professionals and their families choose to make our Mountain State home, they will bring new talent, ideas, and energy that benefit the entire region. This program builds on the investments we are already making in our Capital City and throughout our surrounding communities — ensuring that both new residents and long-time West Virginians benefit from the opportunities it creates. Together, these efforts will grow our business community, expand economic development, and continue to showcase our region as a vibrant place to live, work, and play."
