Triadelphia, WV- The Ohio County Development Authority (OCDA), in partnership with HASULE Inc, has announced the launch of a new pilot internship program designed to connect students and skilled trade learners, with meaningful career exploration and experiential opportunities in Ohio County, WV.
The program, now being introduced to students and local businesses, is the first of its kind in Ohio County to place a strong focus on long-term sustainability and workforce retention by creating a direct connection between education and industry needs. Through hands-on learning, meaningful mentorship, and innovative tracking tools developed by HASULE Inc, students will be supported as they explore career paths and discover opportunities that align with their individual strengths and aspirations. At the same time, local businesses and organizations are provided an opportunity to nurture, guide, and inspire emerging talent-helping shape the next generation of leaders while strengthening the future of our community.
“This initiative is about more than internships-it’s about building intentional, local connections that inspire students to see their future here in Ohio County,” said Stephanie Hockenberry, Growth & Retention Manager for the Ohio County Development Authority. “By bringing education, career exploration, and local workforce needs into alignment, we are planting the seeds for long-term growth and stronger communities.” West Liberty University, Wheeling University, and several large and small employers are already joining the effort, with additional opportunities being rolled out to engage local businesses and connect even more young people, including K-12, with meaningful career pathways.
The pilot program will include:
- Grades 6-12 Career Exploration Modules to introduce students to diverse fields early on.
- Internship and Apprenticeship Invitations with local businesses, nonprofits, and government partners.
- College and Skilled Trades Partnerships to bridge classroom learning with practical application.
- A Digital Platform Powered by HASULE INC to track progress, connect students with mentors, and align skills with talent demands.
Ohio County Commissioner Zach Abraham highlighted the program’s significance to the county’s long-term vitality.
“Our future depends on giving our best and brightest a reason to stay. By creating intentional pathways from education to career, we are working to ensure that Ohio County remains a place where young people don’t just grow up-they build their future and plant and grow roots.” This pilot program is designed to serve as a model for expansion across West Virginia, to create sustainable, talent-driven pipelines that support both students and employers while strengthening communities throughout the state.
“Career exploration often starts too late, pushing students into costly, misaligned pathways that lead to underemployment and missed opportunities. Early signals and patterns that could guide young talent toward better-aligned careers are frequently overlooked, while meaningful hands-on opportunities remain scarce. At the same time, employers face unreliable hiring systems, made worse by the rise of generative Al tools that have exposed how outdated the current foundation truly is. “HASULE Inc. is changing that. Our Al-native model integrates with employers and school systems to anticipate labor needs and identify skills, interests, and patterns early, assisting students with career exploration. This proactive approach creates predictive, adaptive pipelines that serve local workforce needs and build a sustainable talent ecosystem ” according to Tissan Joel, founder of HASULE INC.
Learn more about the Ohio County, WV initiative at ohiocountyww.hasule.com.
