GEAR UP SWV Brings Financial Literacy Classroom Takeovers to Mercer and Summers County High Schools

Athens, W.Va. – GEAR UP Southern West Virginia (GEAR UP SWV) is hosting a week of Financial Literacy Classroom Takeovers from October 20–24, 2025, to help local students better understand money management and the true cost of college.

As part of the program, MJ Bridges of CoolSpeak, a nationally recognized speaker and financial literacy advocate, will visit classrooms in Mercer and Summers Counties. Bridges, known for his energetic and relatable presentations, will connect directly with 10th-grade students to help them make informed financial decisions about their futures.

“Helping students build financial literacy skills is key to preparing them for life after high school,” said GEAR UP SWV Director Dr. Sheila Barnhart Womack. “We want our students to understand how everyday money decisions can shape their future opportunities — whether that’s college, training, or a career. Bringing in dynamic voices like MJ Bridges helps make those lessons real and relevant.”

Bridges said he’s looking forward to inspiring Southern West Virginia students. “Money decisions start earlier than most young people realize,” Bridges said. “I want students to walk away knowing they have the power to make smart financial choices now that can open doors for them later.”

The week-long series is part of GEAR UP SWV’s ongoing mission to ensure students in southern West Virginia have the knowledge, resources, and support to pursue education beyond high school.

Event Details:

• What: Financial Literacy Classroom Takeovers
• When: October 20–24, 2025, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  • Oct. 20 – Bluefield High
  • Oct. 21 – PikeView High
  • Oct. 22 – Montcalm High
  • Oct. 23 – Summers County High
  • Oct. 24 – Princeton Senior High
• Where: Mercer and Summers County Schools
• Guest Speaker: MJ Bridges, CoolSpeak

For more information about GEAR UP SWV programs, please contact Sheila Womack at [email protected] or (304) 384-5128.