Charleston, WV — In August, the National Youth Science Foundation will move its administrative offices to Building 740 in the West Virginia Regional Technology Park (Tech Park), in South Charleston, WV. According to the Tech Park’s web site,

While the park is new to the state’s higher education system, the facility has a more than 60-year history of research and technological contributions, having been established by Dow Chemical-predecessor Union Carbide Corporation as the company’s primary research center in 1949.

Now operated by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, the Tech Park adds significant capacity to the state’s academic, research and economic development missions.

 The Tech Park is undergoing a long-term development and expansion program to match the anticipated future needs of the state’s higher education system and its economic development efforts. That expansion and development is the result of long-range plans developed by the Battelle Memorial Institute in partnership with CH2M HILL. Those plans were accomplished through a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

Foundation Executive Director, Dr. Andrew Blackwood, believes that the move is key to supporting the continued growth and expansion of the Foundation and its programs. Blackwood says, “The new location for the Foundation’s offices not only provides us with more useable space, but it also puts us in proximity with organizations and individuals who understand the importance and value of our mission and programs.” While the Foundation has greatly enjoyed having its offices in downtown Charleston, “the transition to the Tech Park means that our neighbors will be scientific researchers rather than a Pilates studio and women’s clothier,” Blackwood remarked.

The National Youth Science Foundation is a not for profit, charitable organization that supports youth science education programs, including the National Youth Science Camp, the West Virginia Youth Science Camp, the West Virginia Governor’s School for Mathematics and Science, and the Youth Science Discovery Experience.

For more information, please contact Ms. Lynne Schwabe, Director of Financial Development.