Davis & Elkins College Upward Bound Program

4 days ago

Next up on our employee spotlight: Sarah DiBacco!

“Hello! My name is Sarah DiBacco, and I am proud to serve as the Assistant Director of the Randolph, Barbour, and Tucker Upward Bound Program. I have been in this role for almost two years now.
I was raised in Tucker County, so I understand firsthand both the strengths and the challenges that come with growing up in a rural community. Like many of our students, I come from a hardworking family. My dad runs a small family business, and my mom—who was a first-generation college student and a young parent—showed me the power of perseverance. Despite those challenges, she earned two bachelor’s degrees and two master’s degrees, which has always inspired me to value education and never limit what I believe is possible.

Throughout my life, I’ve stayed involved in sports, which taught me discipline, teamwork, and resilience. Today, I’m proud to continue that passion as an Assistant Softball Coach at Tucker County High School, where I enjoy mentoring students both on and off the field.

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Sociology with a concentration in Social Work from Fairmont State University and continued my graduate-level social work studies at Concord University. My career has consistently focused on supporting at-risk youth, including work in juvenile corrections and with the Department of Health and Human Resources. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to helping young people overcome obstacles and build successful futures.
Upward Bound is especially meaningful to me because I see so much of myself—and my family’s journey—in the students we serve. I know what it’s like to grow up in this community, to navigate uncertainty about the future, and to work toward opportunities that might feel out of reach. My goal is to ensure that every student feels supported, encouraged, and confident in their ability to succeed in college and beyond.

I’m honored to be part of this program and to work alongside our students and families!”

Thank you, Sarah, for all that you do for our students and Upward Bound! We are so lucky to have you. ... See MoreSee Less

Davis & Elkins College Upward Bound Program

7 days ago

Next up on our employee spotlight: Jared VanMeter!

Jared VanMeter serves as an Academic Advisor for the Pendleton/Pocahontas grant for the TRIO Upward Bound program at Davis & Elkins College, where he is dedicated to helping students build the skills, confidence, and direction needed to pursue higher education. As an Upward Bound alumnus himself, Jared credits the program as a foundational part of his own success and is passionate about paying that forward by guiding students through their academic and personal journeys.

Before transitioning into education, Jared spent 15 years working as a professional geologist in the energy industry. That experience shaped his analytical mindset and problem-solving approach, which he now applies to helping students navigate college and career pathways.
In addition to his work in education, Jared is also an entrepreneur and community leader, involved in multiple local business and development initiatives. His entrepreneurial experience allows him to connect classroom learning with real-world opportunities, encouraging students to think broadly about their futures and the impact they can have in their communities.

Jared is deeply committed to expanding opportunities for first-generation and income-eligible students. He believes in meeting students where they are, building meaningful relationships, and providing the guidance and support needed to help them succeed in college and beyond.

Thank you for all you do to help your students succeed, Jared! We appreciate you and your efforts every day! ... See MoreSee Less

Davis & Elkins College Upward Bound Program

2 weeks ago

Over the next few weeks, we will be introducing our full-time staff for Upward Bound! First up is Melissa Cartlidge! Melissa is one of our two academic advisors for the Randolph, Barbour, and Tucker grant, working primarily in Barbour and Tucker counties with students.

“I’m excited to share a little about my journey and the path that led me to Upward Bound. I earned my Master’s in Social Work from Rutgers University and have spent the past 13 years working with children with special needs—a role that has shaped both my career and my passion for supporting our youth. I am also a Spanish speaker, which has allowed me to connect with and support a more diverse range of students and families.

I was born in Brooklyn, New York, and spent most of my life in New Jersey, with a brief but unforgettable chapter living in paradise on Maui. Last summer, my husband of 16 years and I made the decision to move our family—along with our two sons, ages 10 and 11—to West Virginia.

The beauty of this place—both in the stunning scenery and in the hearts of the people—has brought a sense of grounding and peace that we were missing. We’re so excited to start this new chapter and to raise our boys surrounded by such love, nature, and community spirit.

I feel incredibly grateful to be part of the Upward Bound program, working alongside such dedicated colleagues. Supporting and guiding high school students as they pursue their goals is truly meaningful work, and I feel fortunate every day to be part of their journey.”

Melissa just began working with Upward Bound in January, but is already making a huge impact on our students! Thank you for all you do, Melissa! ... See MoreSee Less