Jobs & Hope WV report highlights $54.8 million in social and economic value generated in 2025
Program generated an estimated $9.61 in social return for every $1 invested, according to independent analysis
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Jobs & Hope WV generated an estimated $54.8 million in net social value during 2025, representing a return of $9.61 for every dollar invested in the program, according to a Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis measuring the program’s economic and social impact from January through December 2025.
The analysis, prepared by Weisenborn Ready LLC, evaluated the program’s $5.7 million annual investment and its measurable outcomes across workforce participation, transportation access, education, reentry and community well-being.
Of the estimated $54.8 million in net social value generated, $42.11 million, or 76.8%, came from economic value, while $12.7 million, or 23.2%, represented social value.
The analysis also estimated $7.8 million in fiscal value to the state and taxpayer interests through tax revenue and avoided public costs. That represents approximately $1.36 in estimated fiscal value for every dollar invested. This figure is an estimate and does not represent a direct reimbursement to the state budget.
The report highlights several measurable outcomes achieved through Jobs & Hope WV during 2025:
- 591 participants placed in jobs.
- 182 credentials completed.
- 2,751 participants provided with transportation access.
- 1,223 justice-involved participants served.
- 244 gross reincarcerations avoided, or 109 after adjustments.
- $47,736 average annual wage for participants employed full time.
Economic value included wages, local economic output, new tax revenue, earnings premiums and taxpayer savings. Social value included transportation and mobility, reduced incarceration, family stability and community well-being.
Created by the West Virginia Legislature in 2019, Jobs & Hope WV serves as a statewide resource connecting West Virginians with opportunities for employment, education and workforce training while helping individuals overcome barriers that may prevent them from achieving long-term stability.
Through its network of Transition Agents and community partners, the program works with participants to identify employment goals, access training and educational opportunities, address transportation challenges and navigate other barriers to workforce participation.
The report also identifies several priorities for strengthening the program’s long-term impact, including sustaining multiyear funding tied to measurable outcomes, expanding transportation support and improving outcome tracking and reentry coordination. Continued evaluation through annual SROI assessments will help measure progress in job retention, wage growth, recidivism and family outcomes.
The findings demonstrate that investments in workforce development and barrier removal can generate measurable benefits beyond employment alone, supporting individuals, strengthening communities and contributing to West Virginia’s economy.
Explore the 2025 SROI findings
For additional information about the findings, methodology and measurable outcomes, access the following resources:
- [2025 SROI One-Pager] – A snapshot of Jobs & Hope WV’s economic and social impact.
- [2025 SROI Presentation] – An overview of the findings and key outcomes.
- [Full 2025 SROI Report] – The complete analysis, including methodology and supporting data.
About Jobs & Hope WV
Created by the West Virginia Legislature in 2019, Jobs & Hope WV is a statewide initiative designed to connect West Virginians with the resources, education, training and employment opportunities needed to overcome barriers and achieve long-term success. Through collaboration with state agencies, employers, educational institutions and community organizations, Jobs & Hope WV works to strengthen the state’s workforce and create pathways to opportunity.
