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PARKERSBURG — WVU Parkersburg students will be joined by some younger folks at the school’s new Innovation and Technology Center on the former Ohio Valley University campus.

The school, WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center and Community Resources are partnering to bring an expanded Bright Beginnings child care center to the facility.

“The college has decided to do the upfront costs for this project because we know that child care is one of the issues that our students face, in addition to the community at large,” said Torie Jackson, president of West Virginia University at Parkersburg.

The need for reliable, affordable child care is shared by WVUP students, Camden Clark employees and others in the area.

“We are thrilled to be part of this partnership and excited for the potential benefits and opportunities this can provide for our employees,” Camden Clark President and CEO Sean Smith said in a news release from the hospital. “This collaboration aligns with WVU Medicine’s ongoing commitment to support our staff in achieving work-life balance by offering convenient child care services for their families.

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“This initiative will continue to strengthen our longstanding alliance with WVU Parkersburg, and incorporating Community Resources and Bright Beginnings is sure to provide benefits for our staff and the community alike,” he said.

Bright Beginnings will move from its site at First Presbyterian Church on Juliana Street in Parkersburg, Jackson said. That will allow them to more than double the number of children, 60, for which they have space, she said.

“They’re going to be able to expand to 130,” said Jackson, adding a portion of that number will be reserved for the children of hospital employees.

The release said the hospital’s goal is to enhance employee satisfaction and retention and is part of a broader strategy “to support its workforce through comprehensive benefits and community partnerships.”

Bright Beginnings is a branch of Community Resources and serves children ages 6 weeks to 4 years at three locations in Wood, Pleasants and Ritchie counties.

“This project is not just about bricks and mortar – it’s about building a stronger future for working families in our region,” said Michelle Barber, Community Resources executive director and CEO. “Access to high-quality, affordable child care is a game-changer for parents striving for economic stability. We are incredibly proud to be a part of this transformative effort with WVU Parkersburg and WVU Medicine Camden Clark.”

Jackson said WVUP will be moving its workforce and economic development, computer science and computer information technology programs to the former OVU campus in July. The facilities are expected to open in August.

“This collaboration with WVU Medicine Camden Clark and Community Resources is more than a childcare solution — it’s a bold investment in the future of our workforce and our region,” Jackson said in the release. “By expanding access to high-quality early childhood care at the Innovation and Technology Center, we are removing barriers for students, employees and community members who are working hard to build better lives.”

Evan Bevins can be reached at ebevins@newsandsentinel.com.