Military Signing Week Information

Why Military Signing Week was Established

The military is called to meet a wide variety of missions ranging from combatting COVID 19, to conducting search and rescue activities during floods, providing for the nation’s security and so much more. Students who commit to service in the military use all the skills and knowledge they have acquired throughout their time learning in West Virginia schools for advancement into a new and exciting phase of their lives as citizens and soldiers, protecting the public’s interests. These events provide a learning experience for students about career opportunities and support students in meeting the West Virginia Board of Education's career readiness goals, which include the three E’s of education, employment and enlistment upon high school graduation.

Fifth Annual Event

Military Signing Week will take place the week of April 20-24, 2026. Schools will hold locally controlled events which may occur during the officially recognized week, on a date which is most convenient on their calendar, or as part of another type of career signing event. To participate in this initiative, school staff may register an event at their school. Registered public schools receive informational support, access to event planning templates, assistance in finding a guest speaker, and a celebratory video for use at the event. Charter schools and accredited private schools are also welcome to register their events. Students may sign a commitment document during Military Signing Week, but enlistments occur outside of the event.

History of the Event

The Common Ground Partnership is committed to supporting the success of all students and helping them become career ready to pursue post-secondary education, employment, or enlistment at graduation. Since April 2022, this initiative has celebrated students entering public service within the United States armed forces with the following results:

First Military Signing Week: April 25 – 29, 2022

• Ten (10) schools participated

Second Military Signing Week: April 24 – 28, 2023

• Thirty-five (35) schools participated
• One hundred and eighty-one (181) students committed to service

Third Military Signing Week: April 22 – 26, 2024

• Forty-six (46) schools participated
• Two hundred and fifty-nine (259) students committed to service

Fourth Military Signing Week: April 7 – 11, 2025

• Forty-nine (49) schools participated
• Two hundred and eighty-eight (288) students committed to service. The following is how many student committed to certain branches:
  • Army National Guard: 85
  • Active or Reserve Army: 49
  • Air National Guard: 13
  • Space Force: 3
  • Active or Reserve Air Force: 37
  • Active or Reserve Navy: 32
  • Active or Reserve Marine Corp: 48
  • Active or Reserve Coast Guard: 2
  • Unidentified branches: 19