GEAR UP SWV Celebrates National GEAR UP Week With College, Career and Student Success Activities

Athens, W.Va. – Students and families across southern West Virginia will participate in activities focused on college and career readiness, financial aid, academic preparation, and planning for life after high school.

What: GEAR UP Southern West Virginia (GEAR UP SWV) will celebrate National GEAR UP Week Sept. 21–25 under this year’s national theme, “Lighting the Way.”

GEAR UP SWV yard signs will also be placed at partner high schools and colleges, and students will receive GEAR UP SWV stickers as part of the weeklong celebration.

Digitally, the community will see educational social media activity including information about dual credit and dual enrollment, college vocabulary, and even meet students who are sharing their plans for life after high school. Find this and more on our social media pages @GEARUPSWV on Instagram and Facebook.

About GEAR UP SWV: GEAR UP Southern West Virginia (GEAR UP SWV) prepares students for success and careers after high school by providing tools, support, and real-world experiences. Serving the classes of 2028 and 2029 in Mercer, Monroe, Raleigh, Summers, and Wyoming counties’ public schools, GEAR UP SWV also works with teachers, administrators, and families to strengthen the entire educational community.

GEAR UP SWV is a $20.3 million, 50% cost-share program led by Concord University in partnership with New River Community and Technical College. This program is part of the national Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) initiative, funded by the U.S. Department of Education.

The contents of this publication were developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. However, the contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education, and endorsement by the Federal Government should not be assumed.

Learn more at GEARUPSWV.org or by following GEAR UP SWV on social media.

Media are invited to cover activities connected to National GEAR UP Week. For the safety of students, the media should RSVP to Communications Manager Jessica Lilly before arriving on school property. Please call or text 267-684-5427.

Find a full list of events on the next page.

Early Kickoff Activities

Several activities will take place ahead of National GEAR UP Week:

• Wednesday, Sept. 16: Wyoming East High School – Marine Corps visit with Class of 2028
• Thursday, Sept. 17: WVACRAO College Fair: Mercer County Students in the Class of 2028 will attend the West Virginia Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (WVACRAO) college fair at Concord University.

National GEAR UP Week and Extended Activities

• Sept. 21–Oct. 1: MJ Bridges School Visits – MJ Bridges with CoolSpeak will visit each school in Raleigh County to support their college and career readiness.
  • Sept. 22–Oct. 1: MJ Bridges of CoolSpeak Family Nights – Families are invited to talk about postsecondary planning with MJ Bridges and their students.
    • Family Nights are happening:
      • Sept. 22 at Independence High School
      • Sept. 23 at Liberty High School
      • Sept. 28 at Wyoming West High School
      • Oct. 1 at Shady Spring High School

• Sept. 22–24: Student Success Agency Kickoffs – High schools in Wyoming, Mercer, and Summers counties will host Student Success Agency (SSA) kickoff events for students in the Classes of 2028 and 2029.
  • Tuesday, Sept. 22: Summers County Comprehensive High School
  • Wednesday, Sept. 23: Westside
  • Thursday, Sept. 24: Wyoming East High School
  • Additional dates will be announced.

• Wednesday, Sept. 23: James Monroe High School Family Workshop – Monroe County GEAR UP SWV is hosting dinner and assistance with filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). They can also learn about scholarships and dual enrollment with Representatives from College for West Virginia (CFWV), New River Community and Technical College, GEAR UP SWV, and James Monroe High School counselors.
• Wednesday, Sept. 23: MasteryPrep Bootcamp – Summers County Comprehensive High School students and teachers in the Class of 2028 will participate in a one-day, student-focused SAT preparation bootcamp led by expert instructors.
• Tuesday, Sept. 29: Scholarship Extravaganza – Students in the Class of 2028 and their parents/guardians are invited to the Scholarship Extravaganza at the Mercer County MCTEC Seminar Center from 5:30–7 p.m. Representatives from colleges and universities, along with the community foundation, will share information about scholarships available to students and provide families with an opportunity to learn more about paying for education after high school.