WVU Extension strengthens college pathways for West Virginia students in the classroom and on campus

During the spring 2026 semester, more than 1,000 youths participated in West Virginia University Extension college-focused engagement efforts across the state, with more than half being middle school students. These efforts connected students from more than 40 counties to WVU through a variety of entry points, from in-school visits and campus tours to academic immersion experiences and statewide events.

This focused recruitment work highlights alignment with WVU President Michael Benson’s plan to bring more middle school students to WVU campuses. Bringing younger students to engage with WVU creates the college pathway before key career and college decision-making points in high school.

“For many students, their first connection to WVU isn’t a campus tour, it’s a competition, a project, or a hands-on experience tied to something they already care about,” said Rachel Meininger, WVU Extension recruitment director. “My goal is to cultivate experiences for the students I meet that go beyond just awareness of WVU and into real connection, helping them see themselves in a college environment.”

For a lot of youths across West Virginia, that first point of connection with WVU is through WVU Extension. Whether it is at a 4-H camp, an FFA competition, a school visit or a career fair, Meininger makes it a point to meet these youths wherever they are and show them that they have a place at WVU. She combines early exposure, hands-on learning and campus experiences to build a long-term pipeline toward college for West Virginia students.

A key part of helping these younger students see their futures at WVU is bringing them to campus to experience it for themselves. Meininger’s WVU campus tours are tailored to each group and include the fun, everyday experiences of a college student, like riding the PRT and having lunch in the dining halls, as well as sparking their interest in academics by visiting research labs and sitting in on actual college lectures with real professors and students.

Another element of her work is reaching youths across the state through WVU Extension programming. For example, Meininger conducted agriculture-focused engagement at the WV Beef Expo, spoke with students about college access at Ultimate Outdoor Weekend and curated STEM activities and discussed academic opportunities at Code Camp.

Meininger also leads Gallup’s CliftonStrengths training at WVU Extension summer programming, like Energy Express and 4-H camps, across the state. She helps youths to learn more about themselves, see the world in new ways and translate that understanding into ideas about their careers and education.

Across all engagements, students participated in hands-on, immersive activities that connect academic programs to real-world experiences. For Meininger, this work is both strategic and deeply personal.

“As a Gallup Strengths coach, my Developer strength really comes to life in this work. I’m energized by helping students see what’s possible for themselves, and middle school is such a critical moment. These opportunities allow us to spark that belief early and start building toward something bigger,” Meininger said.

Meininger is dedicated to the mission of helping youths prepare for their futures. She offers one-on-one student prep sessions, scholarship and financial aid assistance, campus tours, help with the application process, visits to 4-H camps and events, as well as answering any questions about college and WVU. To learn more or schedule an activity, visit the college resources page on our website or contact Meininger directly.