My vantage point on Wheeling is not all that unique: I was born and raised here, went to Wheeling Park High School, and currently attend college three hours away at Marshall University in Huntington. I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about how I can help ensure that the Wheeling I come home to is better than the one I grew up in. Here are five initiatives I believe Wheeling needs to embrace to make that possible.
1. Stop Trying to Compete with Pittsburgh
One of the mistakes our past leaders have made is trying to position Wheeling as an alternative to Pittsburgh, which is only an hour away. The simple fact is that no matter what we bring here, people will always be drawn to the bigger city for its opportunities. Instead of competing, Wheeling should work with Pittsburgh to drive economic development.
We should focus on what makes Wheeling unique, such as our strong sense of community and belonging, and develop in ways that complement, rather than compete with the Yinzers. The simple fact is that Pittsburgh offers diverse opportunities that Wheeling cannot replicate on the same scale. However, Wheeling can provide a smaller, close-knit community where people feel connected and valued. By collaborating with Pittsburgh, we can create a symbiotic relationship where both cities benefit from each other’s strengths.
For example, Wheeling could position itself as an attractive location for remote workers from Pittsburgh, offering a lower cost of living and a more relaxed lifestyle while still being close to the city’s amenities. Additionally, we can attract niche businesses and events that may not find space in Pittsburgh but would thrive in a smaller, more supportive community. By acknowledging our limitations and focusing on our unique attributes, we can create a more sustainable and prosperous future for Wheeling.
2. Support College Students, Both Local and Distant
This point comes from personal experience. As a proud Marshall University student, (Insert “WE ARE…” Chant) I want to spend my summers in Wheeling and work within my community. Aspiring to go to law school, I sought internships in local law offices but found it difficult to secure one without extensive connections. I eventually landed an internship at the Ohio County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office but only after sending over twenty cold emails, going through a failed job interview at another office, and personally delivering resumes to various offices.
To solve this issue, local businesses need to offer more internship opportunities and advertise them broadly. They should post information on their websites and utilize platforms like LinkedIn and Handshake. Importantly, they should consider students from all over, not just those attending local colleges, to retain our youth.
By offering meaningful internship opportunities, we can help students build connections and gain valuable experience in their chosen fields. This approach not only benefits students but also local businesses, which can tap into a pool of motivated and educated young talent. Moreover, by fostering these connections early on, we increase the likelihood that students will choose to return to Wheeling after graduation, bringing their skills and knowledge back to our community.
Additionally, creating partnerships between local businesses and educational institutions can lead to innovative projects and initiatives that benefit both students and the community. For example, businesses could sponsor research projects, provide mentorship programs, or collaborate on community service initiatives. By investing in our young people and their education, we are investing in the future of Wheeling.
3. Engage High School Students to Retain Young Talent
During my senior year of high school, I often heard, “I can’t wait to leave Wheeling.” This sentiment needs to change. High school is a crucial time to instill a sense of community and belonging. While academic learning is essential, we also need to develop students’ connections to the community.
I spent much of my high school years, (The ones not affected by COVID shutdowns at least) attending community meetings and networking with local leaders, which helped me build a network before graduation. Schools should encourage such engagement to help students see the value in staying connected to their hometown beyond the four walls of the high school. For instance, programs that involve students in local government, business, and community projects can help them understand the impact they can have on their community.
High schools could also implement mentorship programs where students are paired with local professionals in fields they are interested in. This not only provides valuable insights into potential career paths but also helps students build relationships with community members who can offer guidance and support. By creating a supportive and engaging environment for high school students, we can foster a sense of pride and belonging that encourages them to stay in or return to Wheeling.
I’ll steal a quote from Troy Bolton, Zac Efron’s character in High School Musical 3: Senior Year: “High school {musical}; Who says we have to let it go? It’s the best part we’ve ever known. Step into the future but hold on to high school.” Sure, high school is a time for changes, experiences, and goofing around, but I’ve noticed a lot of people leave Wheeling after they graduate. Sure, high school is only four years, but after you’ve taken your final test on a scantron and scored your final goal in a high school uniform, it’ll be the memories and the friends you made that you’ll miss, not the mean teachers or that time you got detention for something stupid.
Furthermore, highlighting the success stories of former students who have chosen to build their careers in Wheeling can serve as inspiration for current students. These role models can demonstrate that it is possible to achieve personal and professional success while staying close to home. By celebrating these achievements and providing opportunities for students to connect with successful alumni, we can help change the narrative that leaving Wheeling is the only path to success.
4. Leverage High Schools to Foster Community Spirit
My favorite class at Wheeling Park was Ryan Stanton’s History of Wheeling. On the first day, Mr. Stanton would ask, “Why Wheeling?” Many students would shrug, unsure of what makes our city special. This class helped us understand and appreciate our hometown’s rich history and unique character. High schools should offer more courses that connect students with the local community and history, fostering a deeper sense of pride and belonging.
In addition to history courses, schools can incorporate community service projects into the curriculum. These projects can range from local environmental initiatives to helping out at community events or working with local non-profits. By actively involving students in the community, we can help them see the positive impact they can have and develop a sense of responsibility and ownership.
Schools can also host events that celebrate local culture, history, and achievements. Festivals, performances, and exhibitions that showcase the talents and contributions of Wheeling residents can foster a sense of community pride and unity. Encouraging student participation in these events not only enriches their educational experience but also strengthens their connection to the community.
Moreover, creating opportunities for students to engage with local businesses and organizations through internships, job shadowing, and workshops can provide valuable real-world experience and help them see the potential for a fulfilling career in Wheeling. By building these connections and fostering a strong sense of community spirit, we can help ensure that our young people feel valued and motivated to stay in Wheeling.
5. Build Stronger Connections
Building connections has been a recurring theme in this article because it’s crucial for Wheeling’s success. Whether it’s through better collaboration with Pittsburgh, more internship opportunities for college students, or engaging high school students, creating and nurturing connections will help Wheeling thrive.
Community events and initiatives that bring people together can help build these connections. For example, hosting networking events, workshops, and seminars that focus on local issues and opportunities can foster collaboration and innovation. These events can provide a platform for residents, business owners, and local leaders to share ideas, resources, and support.
Additionally, establishing partnerships between different sectors, such as education, business, government, and non-profits, can create a more cohesive and supportive community. Collaborative projects that address local challenges and opportunities can lead to sustainable solutions and a stronger sense of shared purpose.
Furthermore, creating a welcoming environment for newcomers and returning residents is essential. Initiatives that help new residents integrate into the community, such as welcome programs, community guides, and social events, can help them feel at home and connected. For returning residents, providing support and resources to help them reintegrate and find opportunities in Wheeling can encourage them to stay and contribute to the community.
Bonus: Bring an Indoor Water Park!
Okay, this one is a wish from eight-year-old me, but it’s still relevant. Adding destination attractions like a Great Wolf Lodge or another indoor water park could provide family-friendly entertainment and draw visitors to Wheeling. It’s a fun idea that could boost local tourism and community enjoyment.
While this idea may seem whimsical, it’s important to consider the potential long-term benefits of investing in unique and engaging attractions. By creating spaces that bring joy and excitement to our community, we can enhance the quality of life for residents and make Wheeling a more attractive place to live, work, and visit.
By focusing on these initiatives, we can make Wheeling a place where people want to stay, return to, and invest in.
