FAIRMONT. W.Va. – West Virginia Treasurer Riley Moore and his office plan to launch a new program for West Virginia students interested in higher education.

The “Jumpstart Savings Program” is a savings and investment opportunity designed to help students who are currently studying or wish to study trades and training programs.

Anyone wishing to pursue a vocation or trade, ranging from welding to cosmetology, can make tax-free contributions to a savings and investment account of up to $25,000 per year. Family members and the person’s employer can also contribute to the account.

“This is going to strengthen our blue-collar economy,” said Heather Raines, director of the Jumpstart savings program. “It will strengthen our workforce. This is an opportunity to really give this middle class an edge and give them the support they need to make West Virginia the economic powerhouse it deserves.

The goal is to provide those in trades or vocational training programs a flexible way to purchase tools, supplies and other costs they need to be covered.

“When you’re sitting at the table or when your son or daughter is sitting at that table and saying to you, ‘Mom, I want to go to Pierpont Community & Technical College’…and they might not have the funds to help their child and meet their expectations and goals, this is that opportunity and this is the time for our state,” said Anthony Hancock, president of Pierpont C&TC.

On Tuesday, representatives from Treasurer Moore’s office presented the program at the North Central West Virginia Aviation Strategic Partnership Meeting at Pierpont CT&C. Aviation is one of the many jobs that funds from the Jumpstart savings program can be directed towards.

“Aviation is essential to the economic growth and vitality of West Virginia. We know we need to revitalize our American manufacturing base and strengthen our domestic supply chain, and West Virginia is uniquely positioned to play a key role in rejuvenating our blue-collar economy,” Treasurer Moore said.

Employers who contribute to employee accounts will be eligible for a tax credit of up to $5,000 per employee.

The program is expected to launch on July 1.