Marathon Petroleum/MPLX donates $40,000 to WVNCC Foundation for Energy program and student scholarships

West Virginia Northern Community College (WVNCC) Foundation is delighted to announce they are the recipient of a $40,000 grant from Marathon Petroleum and MPLX to bolster its Energy Technology program. Out of the grant, $20,000 is earmarked for advancing hydrogen-related programming, while the remaining $20,000 will be dedicated to providing scholarships and emergency assistance to students enrolled in the energy program.

“Marathon Petroleum and MPLX are pleased to provide this grant to WVNCC, which is such a tremendous asset to our community,” commented MPLX Community Relations Representative Tina Rush. “We support their focus on teaching skills that are vital to the success of the community. This grant will assist WVNCC as they create education plans and courses to support the hydrogen energy growth in the region, while also providing funds for the energy technology students.”

This funding comes at an opportune moment, coinciding with the U.S. Department of Energy's selection of West Virginia as one of only seven hydrogen hubs. The Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (ARCH2) initiative, announced in October, is anticipated to generate over 20,000 jobs and produce a substantial investment of $925 million in energy production.

"As WVNCC gears up to meet the demands of hydrogen energy employers in the Ohio Valley, we recognize the importance of staying ahead by expanding our Energy Technology Program to emphasize hydrogen,” commented WVNCC President Dr. Daniel Mosser. “The MPLX grant funds will be instrumental in both expanding and fortifying our existing program. Additionally, we aspire to offer scholarships that facilitate participation across all economic backgrounds and assistance funds to alleviate any financial barriers hindering a student's ability to enter and complete the program."

WVNCC’s Energy Technology program is designed to prepare students for employment in the natural gas drilling, gathering and field operations industry including Marcellus and Utica Shales and to give students a basic understanding of renewable energy technologies. Students also learn about alternative energy technologies and their applications including geothermal, solar, hydrogen and wind.