The EdVenture Group

10/16/2026

Educators, what do you wish someone had told you about working with families when you were new to education?

We’re collecting advice from educators in the field to help prepare the next generation for family engagement. Your experience can make a real difference.

Share your perspective in two quick questions. Scan the QR code in the graphic or use the link here: https://theedventuregroup.surveysparrow.com/s/Advice-for-Future-Educators-Family-Engagement/tt-RZLJqXgfZOq

10/14/2026

Upcoming SparkWV Information Session 📣

Learn more about SparkWV, including how students can participate, key dates, competition details, and resources to help bring ideas to life.

Join us for our first virtual information session on October 21 at 3:30 PM to get started! 💻 https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/7s8JQRCrSpuFcGkrVQmDhg #/registration

10/13/2026

Last month, the WVFEC team headed to Pittsburgh for Remake Learning Days, connecting with educators, families, and learning innovators from across the region. We also spent time at Carnegie Mellon University building out the EngagEd Module, filming content, learning alongside WV facilitators, and weaving in insights from participating families.

And there’s more good news: five new EngagEd sites are kicking off this month! These sites will bring more playful, hands-on experiences to students, families, and schools across West Virginia, helping build connection, creation, and belonging.

We’re so excited to see the program grow. 🎉

10/07/2026

SPARK WV – Innovation Through Competitions

📅 October 19, 2026
⏰ 3:15 PM

Presented by Sarah Wamsley, Coordinator with the WVDE Office of Career Technical Education, and Kim Zirk, Program Manager with The EdVenture Group, this session will showcase how SPARK WV helps students develop entrepreneurship, innovation, and real-world problem-solving skills through statewide competitions. Educators will leave with ideas and resources to foster entrepreneurial thinking in their own programs.

Register today, https://www.eventbrite.com/o/wv-acte-106884030301?msockid=0e8ff9658d3365ec3394ef018c1d64e2, and join us as we continue building brilliance across West Virginia!

10/06/2026

The WVFEC team recently connected with more than 450 student support professionals at the 2026 Student Support Conference! 🙌

We led three sessions on family engagement:
👀 Shifting Our Perspectives: Seeing Family Engagement Differently
Rethinking the role families play in student success.

🤝 Creating the Conditions for Partnership: Building Family Engagement Differently
Setting the stage for real, two-way partnerships.

🧩 Doing Family Engagement Differently: Designing for Capacity
Practical ways to build capacity for families and educators.

Thank you to the West Virginia Department of Education for the opportunity, and to everyone who joined a session or stopped by to chat. Your questions and ideas keep this work moving forward across West Virginia! 💙

10/03/2026

Join us in celebrating EdV President Kayla Benson's birthday today! 🥳❤️

Kayla is incredibly caring, passionate, and the kind of leader who makes everyone around her feel supported. She believes in people, and you can see it in how she shows up for our team, our partners, and the families and communities we serve every day.

Today, we're celebrating the amazing person she is and the impact she makes every day. Kayla, thank you for the heart, vision, and care you bring to our work. Happy birthday! 🎉

10/02/2026

Join us for a virtual REL COP Coffee Chat with Dr. Lydotta M. Taylor, our Founder and President Emeritus of The EdVenture Group and founder of L-evation.

📅 October 8th
🕦 11:30 am ET
💻 Virtual

Bring your questions, your challenges, or just your own expertise to share. This is a chance to problem-solve together with Lydotta and fellow CoP members around the work that matters most to you.

Grab a coffee and join here: https://sri.zoomgov.com/j/1652741750?pwd=NU0HAORrYGbav7mXsHWxOeLvUaoaH8.1&from=addon

09/30/2026

Grab a cup of coffee and catch up with us! ☕

This month's newsletter has the latest from our team, a few updates we're excited to share, and a reminder that today is the last day to apply for opportunities. Don't miss it! 📝❤️

Read the full newsletter:

We still have opportunities open for educators, students, and schools across West Virginia. Here's a quick look, full details and applications are on our website.

09/29/2026

Last call! 3 opportunities close TOMORROW (September 30) ⏰

There's still time to apply for one of these programs with us:

🎯 CLEAR CoP: A career readiness community of practice for middle school educators. $500 stipend.

🛠️ ELEVATE CTE: A statewide PLC for CTE educators. $500 stipend.

💡 Student Innovators: Mentorship and innovation projects for high school students.

Learn more and apply at theedventuregroup.org/fall-2026-opportunities

Applications are due by September 30. Don't wait, apply today! 📣 Tag an educator or student who should see this.