Huntington Times

Marshall University and Intuit have announced a strategic partnership to boost education and economic growth in West Virginia. The collaboration aims to empower students, foster innovation, and strengthen the local economy through several initiatives.

The first initiative is expanding the tech talent pipeline by creating a hiring funnel between Marshall University and Intuit for tech-driven jobs such as cybersecurity. Marshall's location in Appalachia allows Intuit to recruit strategically on the East Coast.

Another focus is the creation of a prosperity hub within Marshall’s Innovation District. This hub will promote economic development, attract investments, and create jobs, establishing West Virginia as a leader in financial innovation. A comprehensive internship program with Foundever will provide students with hands-on experience across various industries. The pilot program started this spring with 50 students, aiming to increase participation to 200.

Additionally, there will be an integration of Intuit’s financial education curriculum for college and high school students to promote financial wellness.

Marshall University President Brad D. Smith highlighted the significance of this collaboration: “This prosperity hub will be an anchor in our emerging Innovation District,” he said. He emphasized that combining these projects would provide access to technology, expertise, and resources benefiting students and the community long-term.

David Graham, senior vice president of Intuit Customer Success, stated: “This partnership marks a powerful step forward in our shared values and mission.” He noted that the new prosperity hub would offer students opportunities to develop skills in tax, bookkeeping, and AI while aligning with their academic schedules.

Huntington Mayor Patrick Farrell expressed optimism about the initiative's impact on the city’s future: “By creating real opportunities for students... we’re building a Huntington where young people can stay and succeed.”

West Virginia Secretary of Commerce Dr. Matt Herridge praised the partnership as innovative: “This is one of those partnerships that speaks to the very best of what is possible.”

The project details are being finalized by Intuit team members including David Zasada along with Marshall's faculty and staff. The prosperity hub is set to open this fall on 4th Avenue in Huntington.