First Ascent program empowers graduates to build their futures in West Virginia
Parker Surface, left, and Landon Lambert are recent WVU graduates finding support and community through the innovative First Ascent program. (Submitted Photo)
First Ascent, a program designed to cultivate and retain local talent within West Virginia by supporting new graduates from West Virginia University and Marshall University, is seeing success one year after its launch.
Program member Parker Surface, a 2024 WVU graduate, business analyst for WVU Hospitals and Buckhannon native, highlights how First Ascent is about being a part of something bigger.
Parker Surface, 2024 WVU graduate and First Ascent cohort member (Submitted Photo)
For Surface, motivation to join the program stems from a deep desire to serve as an ambassador and create positive change within his home state. “I am West Virginia — like, why wouldn’t I be here? Why wouldn’t I advocate for the state, you know? The opportunity to be an ambassador for the place that we all love is huge for me on so many levels,” he said.
Surface and his wife, also a WVU grad, have made meaningful connections with Ascend WV, a sister program to First Ascent inviting remote workers to live, work, and play in West Virginia, through their engagement in First Ascent. The couple has invited Ascend members on several outdoor excursions to showcase the state’s hidden gems; in turn, Ascend members have helped grow their professional network and cultivate new friendships.
Parker Surface taking in an afternoon of cold weather fishing. (Submitted Photo)
“I do give a disclaimer, like, ‘If you’re coming, we’re fishing. You better be rested, well hydrated, and ready to go,’” Surface reflected after a recent excursion with Ascend members.
A flagship initiative of the WVU Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative, First Ascent is rapidly becoming a cornerstone in West Virginia’s efforts to retain recent graduates by offering a unique opportunity to grow both professionally and personally within the state, leveraging the power of hybrid and remote work to help participants build their futures while changing the narrative for what it means to work, live, and play in the Mountain State.
For Surface, First Ascent has provided a supportive network that fosters both personal and professional growth. Especially helpful for Surface is his collaboration with Madison Hutchinson, First Ascent program and career specialist.
“Having that career anchor was huge,” he said. “Job hunting is very draining, and to have someone you can hop on a call with and talk you through it, is unbelievably helpful. Now it’s like I’m a link in a chain, and there’s so many others helping to support the community, and that’s really been encouraging.”
Landon Lambert, a First Ascent member, 2023 WVU graduate and clinical therapist for Mind Body Wellness who is originally from Utah, said the program has strengthened his ties to both his growing family of four and his community.
Landon Lambert, 2023 WVU graduate and First Ascent cohort member (Submitted Photo)
“Being a part of First Ascent has encouraged us to stay in West Virginia longer and plant roots here,” Lambert said. “Just tapping into the outdoor community and other young families has helped us get plugged into a really supportive, diverse community.”
Since its inception, the First Ascent program has welcomed 23 WVU graduates into its ranks, each one contributing to the vibrant community that the program fosters. Over a two-year period, participants benefit from a dynamic mix of professional development, outdoor recreation and community engagement.
Pointing to the program’s role in helping him consider a diversified career path, Lambert added, “I really value diversity and work. I love my job as a counselor, but the dream would be to do counseling three days a week, and then two days a week, do some sort of outdoor rec job, or some sort of outdoor rec planning — getting people in the community outside.”
Lambert also emphasized that his encouragement to engage in First Ascent stems from his participation in social activities around town. “My wife and I really enjoyed being at the Outdoor Community Meetup event. It was just refreshing to see all the people that are passionate about the outdoors and are involved in nonprofits or projects that are helping boost outdoor culture here in West Virginia.”
Landon Lambert poses with his wife and children for a family photo. (Submitted photo)
Through this blend, First Ascent is helping graduates not only stay in West Virginia but also thrive here — building careers, families and communities.
“First Ascent is about more than hybrid and remote; it’s about how flexibility in your role creates space to connect with the people, communities and landscapes that make West Virginia unique,” said Jessica Stidham, OEDC assistant director of innovation.
First Ascent’s success highlights West Virginia as a place where graduates can advance their careers while building strong community ties. By focusing on community, purpose and outdoors, First Ascent helps participants move beyond the boundaries of a traditional workspace and create impact throughout the state.
“We’re committed to helping our graduates find their place within their communities, where they can foster meaningful relationships, get involved, play outdoors and build their career simultaneously. It’s not just about staying in West Virginia; it’s about becoming a vital part of its growth,” Stidham said.
Lambert said First Ascent is a program with lasting impact.
“This is an amazing opportunity to experience West Virginia, and the program definitely has a vision of helping people get unstuck and see the potential all around,” Lambert said.
Find more information about First Ascent.
-WVU-
MEDIA CONTACT: Jessica Stidham
Assistant Director of Innovation
WVU Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative
Jessica.Stidham@mail.wvu.edu