Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs

06/03/2026

Check out this good news for West Virginia! 🎉 A recent article highlights that is ranked 2nd in the entire United States for racial equality in education! 🍎📚 This achievement reflects the hard work and dedication across our communities to ensure every student has access to educational opportunity.

The Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs is proud of this progress as we continue to champion educational advancement for all underserved citizens in West Virginia.

Read the full story: https://www.wowktv.com/news/west-virginia-ranked-2nd-in-united-states-for-racial-equality-in-education/amp/

WEST VIRGINIA (WTRF) – A new report from personal finance company WalletHub ranks West Virginia second in the nation for racial equality in education. The study compared all 50 states across …

05/25/2026

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05/04/2026

📣 West Virginia Department of Human Services Announces Launch of Summer EBT Program for West Virginia Students. 🌟

"The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) Bureau for Family Assistance (BFA), has received federal approval to provide Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (Summer EBT) for the 2026 summer period. This program assists eligible households in purchasing groceries during the summer months when school meals are unavailable.
The 2026 Summer EBT program will run from June 1, 2026, through August 20, 2026, and will provide a one-time grocery benefit. To receive benefits during the initial issuance, households should submit a completed application by May 15, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted through August 20, 2026, and will be processed within 15 business days after receipt.
Applications can be obtained at local DoHS county offices, through the Office of Constituent Services, or downloaded at bfa.wv.gov/summer-ebt. Applications will be available in paper format only and may be submitted in person, by mail, email, or fax.
Eligibility and Benefits:
Benefits will be issued as a one-time payment, either added to an existing SNAP or WV WORKS EBT card or provided on a new Mountain State EBT card.
Most eligible students will be automatically enrolled through the PATH system if they:
-Receive SNAP, WV WORKS, or qualifying Medicaid
-Are in foster care
-Are identified as homeless, migrant, or runaway
-Are enrolled in WV Head Start
These households do not need to apply and can expect to receive benefits beginning the week of May 25, 2026.
Households not automatically enrolled, including those with students attending Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) schools, must apply to determine eligibility.
Summer EBT Income Chart
Eligibility is based on household income:
(See Picture Below)
Families with questions or needing assistance with the application process may contact the DoHS Customer Service Center at 1-877-716-1212 or visit a local DoHS office for support."

➡️ Follow DoHS at: https://www.facebook.com/wv.dohs

05/03/2026

In May, we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. It’s a time to uplift the vibrant cultures, rich histories, and powerful impact of AAPI communities shaping our world every day.

05/02/2026

Throughout May, we honor Jewish American Heritage Month. This is a time to recognize the traditions, resilience, and lasting contributions of Jewish Americans across generations.

05/01/2026

This month, we proudly recognize Military Appreciation Month. May is a time to reflect on the bravery, dedication, and sacrifice of those who serve and have served our country — honoring their legacy today and always.

04/24/2026

Access to education matters—and removing barriers makes all the difference. ✨

Since day one, HHOMA’s Acting Director has served on the Hope Scholarship Board, helping expand access to individualized education across West Virginia.

The results speak for themselves 📈
The 2024–2025 report shows a higher percentage of minority students are benefiting from the Hope Scholarship than their share of the state’s population.
🔗 Tap the link to learn more and see the impact for yourself: hopescholarshipwv.gov

04/15/2026

Here’s something important to know 👇

A study from the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research found that people claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) were more likely to be audited—and that Black taxpayers were 3 to 5 times more likely to face those audits.

📰 The good news: Since the 2023 study, the Internal Revenue Service has begun updating its system to address these concerns.

Learn more here: https://siepr.stanford.edu/news/irs-confirms-stanford-study-racial-bias-audits
IRS confirms Stanford study of racial bias in audits
Knowledge is power—share to keep others informed. 🤝

04/14/2026

April is Sikh Awareness Month and a time to recognize the impact Sikh Americans have made across our nation through service, innovation, and culture.

With more than 500,000 Sikh Americans, Sikhism is the fifth largest religion in the world—yet many people are still unfamiliar with its core beliefs and traditions. Resources from SALDEF help bridge that gap and promote greater understanding: www.SALDEF.org/Resources

Education leads to understanding—and understanding builds stronger communities. 🤝

04/10/2026

April is National Minority Health Month 🩺

A time to come together, raise awareness, and support healthier futures for every community.

❤️‍🩹 Did you know?

Women of color are up to 50% more likely to experience preterm birth

Many minority communities face higher rates of chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease

These numbers matter—but so do the people behind them.

This month is about more than awareness.
It’s about access, education, and making sure everyone has the opportunity to live a healthy life.