James Rumsey Technical Institute
As you approach the campus of James Rumsey Technical Institute, you see the sculpture “Pursuit.” Designed by artist Cubert Smith and built by welding students, the sculpture is a symbol of a vision shared by the artist and the James Rumsey staff – becoming educated is moving from darkness into light, and learning is a lifelong process . . . a direction rather than a destination. To accomplish our mission of enhancing the quality of life through continual education, we strive to provide our students with opportunities for lifelong learning.
An unassuming golden shovel rests virtually unnoticed in our office corner. Penned on that historic shovel are the words, Ground Breaking Ceremony, March 25, 1969.
By August 1970, James Rumsey Vocational-Technical Center was a 2.5 million dollar functioning reality offering 13 areas of technical training. First year enrollment consisted of 289 high school students, 110 full-time adult students, and 204 part-time, evening students. The school’s name changed in the early 1990s to reflect the changing curriculum. Today, fifty years later, there are 18 high school programs and 5 adult programs offered at JRTl with an annual full-time enrollment of approximately 500 students, of which about 100 of those students are adults.
James Rumsey’s campus is comprised of 48 acres and includes the main building, a truck driving range, and an automobile driving range totaling 146,040 square feet of instructional area with millions of dollars of equipment.
JRTI provides career and technical education to secondary students from Morgan, Berkeley, and Jefferson Counties. Adult students travel from West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. The public, non-profit school is authorized to operate by the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) and governed by the Administrative Council.
In addition, the Jill S. Weekly Learning Center delivers both advanced skills training and preparation for the G.E.D., a high school equivalency certificate.
Considered a one-stop shop, and with a placement rate well over 90 percent, James Rumsey Technical Institute proud boasts Our Grads Get Jobs!
Director’s Message
It is my pleasure to welcome you to James Rumsey Technical Institute (JRTI). For more than 40 years, JRTI has proudly served high school students from Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan Counties, as well as adult students from throughout the four-state area. During that time, we have remained committed to excellence in career and technical education while preparing students to meet the evolving needs of business, industry, and our communities.
Our dedicated faculty and staff bring real-world experience, expertise, and innovation into the classroom and laboratory each day. High school students have the opportunity to enroll in a variety of career and technical education programs that provide hands-on training and opportunities to earn industry-recognized credentials. Students may also earn college credit through partnerships with higher education institutions, including EDGE (Earn a Degree, Graduate Early).
Post-secondary students may enroll in one of our many post-secondary programs to develop new skills, advance in their current careers, or prepare for new career opportunities.
Beyond the classroom, JRTI students have opportunities to participate in career and technical student organizations, where they can develop leadership and professional skills and compete at the state and national levels.
I invite you to explore our website to learn more about the many opportunities available at James Rumsey Technical Institute. Please contact us to learn how JRTI can help you achieve your educational and career goals.
Trent Sherman
Director
Our Mission
To enhance the quality of life through continual education for students of all ages throughout our community by setting standards of excellence in technical and academic education as determined by business, industry, and government.
Our Vision
The Institute is dedicated to the belief that each individual should be given a continual opportunity for the development and extension of his/her skill and knowledge to increase an awareness of his/her role and responsibility in society. The Institute is devoted to serving the educational needs of its community and assumes a responsibility to help provide the requirements for trained employees in its region through a cooperative effort from local industry, business, and government.
Contact
Phone: (304) 754-7925
Fax: (304) 754-7933
3274 Hedgesville Rd
Martinsburg, WV 25403