Ascend Talent Attraction Relocation Program for West Virginia
$12,000
Program at a Glance
- Location: Participating Ascend WV communities in West Virginia
- Status: Accepting rolling applications
- Maximum benefit: $12,000 plus recreation, coworking, and community benefits
- Who it’s for: Full-time remote workers and qualifying remote business owners currently living outside West Virginia
- Employment requirement: Employment and remote-work status must be verified; standard Ascend WV applicants generally work for an employer located outside West Virginia
- Residency requirement: Establish a full-time residence within the approved boundary of an Ascend WV community
- Move deadline: Generally within six months of acceptance
- Program commitment: Live in West Virginia for two consecutive years to receive the full incentive
- Payment: Equal monthly payments over 24 months; qualifying homebuyers may receive their remaining payments as a lump sum
- Current application areas: Morgantown Area, Greenbrier Valley, Eastern Panhandle, Greater Elkins, and New River Gorge
- Last verified: October 2026
About the Program
Ascend WV offers selected remote workers $12,000 to relocate to one of its participating West Virginia communities. Members also receive access to coworking space, outdoor recreation, gear rentals, and community programming.
The program is designed for people who can bring their existing remote employment or remote-capable business with them. Ascend WV does not provide applicants with a job.
What Applicants Should Know
Ascend WV is a competitive program. Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance or funding. Applications are reviewed as they are received, and selected applicants may be invited to participate in a virtual interview.
Do not move to West Virginia or establish residency while your application is under consideration. Applicants who relocate before being officially accepted become ineligible.
Accepted applicants must live within the approved geographic boundary of their selected Ascend WV community. These boundaries generally cover an area within approximately 30 minutes of the community’s center, but official maps are provided after acceptance.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
- Currently live outside West Virginia
- Have full-time employment or operate a qualifying remote-capable business
- Be able to verify employment and remote-work status
- Be able to perform their work from West Virginia
- Be prepared to relocate after receiving official acceptance
- Establish a full-time residence within an approved Ascend WV community
- Comply with the program’s terms throughout the two-year participation period
Applicants who currently work onsite but have permission to transition to full-time remote work may apply. Employer verification is required.
Former West Virginia residents may also apply if they currently live outside the state and meet the other requirements.
How the $12,000 Incentive Is Paid
Payments begin after the participant’s first month in the program and continue in equal monthly installments over 24 months.
Participants who purchase a qualifying home in West Virginia during the program may request their remaining payments in one lump sum after the home purchase and residency are verified.
Scheduled checks are collected in person at the participant’s local Ascend WV coworking space. Payments are taxable, and recipients are responsible for any applicable taxes.
Participants who leave West Virginia before completing the two-year program keep the payments they have already received but do not receive the remaining balance.
Additional Program Benefits
Ascend WV describes the complete package as being valued at more than $20,000 when the cash incentive and noncash benefits are combined.
Outdoor Recreation
Members receive access to curated outdoor experiences that may include activities such as skiing, rafting, climbing, cycling, or paddling. The specific experiences available vary by community and season.
Participants also receive access to outdoor gear that may be used by members and, subject to program rules and availability, their families or guests.
Coworking Space
Members receive access to a coworking space in their Ascend WV community. These spaces provide an alternative to working from home and serve as gathering places for local programming.
Participants also collect their scheduled incentive payments through their local coworking space.
Community Programming
Ascend WV organizes social events and community experiences to help new residents build local connections. Programming may include a welcome experience, volunteer opportunities, outdoor activities, and gatherings with other participants.
Professional and Entrepreneurial Resources
Members may have access to professional-development resources, entrepreneurial support, and West Virginia University remote-work or management programs. Availability and participation requirements may vary.
Current Ascend WV Communities
Rolling applications are currently open for:
- Morgantown Area
- Greenbrier Valley
- Eastern Panhandle
- Greater Elkins
- New River Gorge
Applicants use one application and may rank multiple communities in order of preference.
How to Apply
Complete the online Ascend WV application and identify the communities that interest you. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Top-scoring applicants may be invited to a virtual interview before final selections are made. Accepted applicants are generally expected to relocate within six months of receiving their acceptance notification.
Official sources: Ascend WV application, 2026 program FAQ, and financial incentive details.
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