On June 1, 2021, The EdVenture Group, Inc. will celebrate 20 years of service to West Virginia, the Appalachia Region, and the nation. Established by a high-school mathematics teacher, Dr. Lydotta Taylor, in 2001, The EdVenture Group was founded to provide technology support and training to educators. Remaining as agile and adaptive as the education technology industry itself, over the past 20 years the organization has expanded to design and deliver a variety of impactful educational programs and resources in support of students, educators, and communities.
Today, The EdVenture Group offers innovation consulting, tailored professional development, and high-quality research and evaluation for educational partners. The organization has brought over $25 million in competitive grant funding to the state of West Virginia. Current state-based programs include the West Virginia Family Engagement Center, made possible by a $4.8 million award from the United States Department of Education, which provides educational resources and support for WV families in 100 schools across the state. In partnership with the West Virginia Department of Education, Marshall University, West Virginia University, and with the generous support of the Appalachian Regional Commission, the organization supports the development of the Simulated Workplace Entrepreneurship Education Pathway, which provides entrepreneurial training and venture development to career and technical education students across West Virginia.
“This milestone is a result of many creative and caring minds working together to better education in WV and beyond. It has been an honor to work alongside colleagues and partners over the last 20 years to innovatively serve students, educators, families, and communities. As one of the first WV education entrepreneurs, I am forever grateful to everyone that helped us better the lives of others. We look forward to many more years of serving and building innovative ideas to create and inspire opportunities for growth.” Dr. Lydotta Taylor, President The EdVenture Group.
Under the leadership and educational expertise of Dr. Lydotta Taylor, The EdVenture Group has developed strong relationships with stakeholders across the nation to impact thousands of educators and students. Through co-created conversations and thought partnership, the organization helps empower schools, communities, and the individuals they impact to build a more diverse, equitable, and just future for youth.
