I'm in search of a humongous black hole filled with millions of job applications and resumes.

Read more about Patty Paul, transportation director, Cabell County Schools.

Read more about William Larson,  Leadership Project Director at Ohio University Southern.

Huntington Junior College, which celebrated its 70th year in downtown Huntington in 2007, has been working to expand the distance education courses available to students.

Read more about J.R. Clark, a math teacher at Chesapeake High School.

Read more about Deborah Bradley, choral director at Fairland High School.

Read more about Hongwei Yu, professor for Marshall University's Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology.

Ohio University Southern continues to provide quality education to meet the needs of the surrounding communities and residents. While more traditional higher education opportunities -- including associate and bachelor's degree programs -- are available on the Ironton campus, other offerings are designed specifically to serve those whose schedule and location may be less traditional. Three examples of programs that have reached out to help meet these off-campus needs during the past year include: a new nursing program designed to help working licensed practical nurses earn their registered nursing license, the growth of services available through the one-year-old Proctorville Center facility, and customized training offered by the Business and Training Resource Center to meet the needs of employers in the Tri-State.

HUNTINGTON -- The idea of scientific research at a university is generally to find something that will improve people's lives. In some cases, it's something that can be turned into a product. So the formula seems easy. Discover something people can use, and then sell it, right? Well, it's actually not that simple.

The local Success by Six initiative is led by a volunteer committee composed of early childhood experts from the community, the Cabell Family Resource Network, the Cabell County Board of Education, and Marshall University. The initiative holds two major events each year -- Super Kids, Super Families, Super Saturday in February and Celebrate Children's Sunday in May.

As pioneers of the 21st century, we are all becoming very aware that our way of life is now something much different than it was even five years ago.

Read more about Rick Sharpe, Huntington High School science teacher.

HUNTINGTON -- Geraldine Sawrey has a passion to see children succeed. Today, she oversees the freshmen academy as assistant superintendent over school improvement for Cabell County Schools. Its goal, she said, is to lay a solid foundation in the high schools by giving freshmen the tools they need to succeed and graduate.

When most Marshall fans think about recruiting, they're likely wondering whether the school has a shot at signing West Virginia's biggest football star. But the word has a far broader meaning at the university. When Marshall officials mention recruiting, they're talking about enrollment and getting students to the school.

Thanks to recent research in the field of early brain development, what experts in the field of early childhood education have suspected for some time is now affirmed: Young children have a tremendous capacity to learn.

As a product of Catholic schools from kindergarten through graduate school, I am well versed in the benefits of a Catholic education. However, since arriving in Huntington during the summer of 2003 as assistant principal of St. Joseph Central High School, I have become familiar with the local public schools.

The challenges of today's economy force us all to evaluate our positions in many aspects of our lives. In order to stay ahead of the game, we need to take control of the elements of life that have the most influence on our future. One of those areas is education. Statistics clearly show a strong, positive relationship between a college education and higher personal income.

Read more about John Maynard, principal at South Point High School.

Two years ago, the Center for Business and Economic Research at Marshall University reported that the economic impact of our institution could be placed in simple terms. For every $1 of public funds the state of West Virginia invests in Marshall, the center reported that we contribute $8 of additional economic impact.

Read more about Amy Maynard, third-grade teacher at Peyton Elementary.

HUNTINGTON -- Sue Wright can't go into many businesses in the area without seeing someone she knows. Most of that is due to the fact that she helped put them there.

This is a question that will affect public education as we move into the 21st century. It is well documented through the media of the upcoming retirements of the Baby Boomer generation in the next five to 10 years, but are we prepared to fill the gaps in skilled workers to replace them?

HUNTINGTON -- It seems fairly obvious. People who get their college degrees make more than those who don't.

The Region 2 Workforce Investment Board, a division of WorkForce West Virginia and often referred to as "The WIB," faces the career challenges of youth, adults and employers on a daily basis. Throughout 2007 and into 2008, the focus of the organization has been on enhancing or upgrading the skills of people already employed and retraining people affected by business reorganization and/or closure to match their skill level with the demands of area employers.

Learn more about how to become a surgeon.

Learn more about how to become a respiratory therapist.

Learn more about how to become a preschool teacher.

Learn more about how to become a pharmacist.

Learn more about how to become a nurse.

Learn more about how to become a mental health and substance abuse social worker.

Learn more about how to become a firefighter.

Learn more about how to become a computer technician.

Learn more about how to become a dental hygienist.

Learn more about how to become a chef or head cook.

HUNTINGTON -- It's Cabell Midland High School's Homecoming, and Huntington Police Det. Cass McMillian couldn't be prouder to walk his 18-year-old son, Cass Jr., onto the football field for his senior year.

Graduate school. The words alone conjure images of brain-y-acs with pocket protectors thinking deep thoughts. But, as anyone who's ever pursued a graduate career can tell you, the modern iteration of a master's degree is more one of purpose-driven people on a mission of self-improvement. Sure, it takes solid grades, above average test scores, and plenty of tenacity. But, it's not an Ivory Tower any more. In fact, even the profile of an average graduate student is changing. Many have families, lives, jobs. If you've ever thought about a degree beyond a bachelor's, you probably need help demystifying the academy.