Concord University is receiving a federal Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) partnership grant for seven years totaling more than $20 million (about $2.9 million per year). Concord, in partnership with New River Community and Technical College, will serve students in Mercer, Monroe, Raleigh, Summers, and Wyoming County schools.
GEAR UP SWV Extends Summer Camp Registration Deadline to May 31
For Immediate Release
Athens, W.Va. – GEAR UP Southern West Virginia (GEAR UP SWV) has extended the registration deadline for its remaining 2026 Summer Camps to May 31, giving families additional time to secure a spot in two overnight college experiences that still have limited availability.
Students can still register for Concord Cool Academy: Tracks to the Future, an overnight camp taking place June 16–19 at Concord University in Athens. This immersive experience allows students to explore career-focused tracks such as Fine Arts, Creative Writing, Education, Sports Medicine, and Nursing. The camp also includes evenings of fun centered on Social Media and Technology, Civic Engagement, and College Readiness led by CoolSpeak, a student engagement company that always brings the hype.
Students can also register for the GEAR UP SWV / WVU Tech STEM Camp, scheduled for June 29 through July 1 in Beckley. This overnight opportunity gives students the chance to live on campus and engage in hands-on environmental science and STEM activities designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and expand career awareness.
Families are encouraged to register by the new May 31 deadline, as space is limited and camps may fill before that date.
For additional information about Concord Cool Academy, families may contact Jenn Frame at [email protected] or (304) 384-6229. For information about the WVU Tech STEM Camp, families may contact Dr. Nathan Galinsky at [email protected] or (304) 929-1651.
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.
GEAR UP SWV; securing a legacy of strength and resilience in Appalachia.
Media Contact
Communications Manager
Jessica Lilly (Doty)
Some GEAR UP SWV Summer Camps Full as Registration Deadline Approaches
GEAR UP SWV to Host “MCSTEAM Into Your Future” Event for Mercer County Students
GEAR UP SWV will host the MCSTEAM Into Your Future event on May 8, 2026, at Mercer Mall, bringing Mercer County ninth and tenth-grade students together for hands-on STEAM learning and career exploration activities.
James Monroe Students Spotlight GEAR UP SWV Impact Through Award-Winning Video
Concord University is receiving a federal Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) partnership grant for seven years totaling more than $20 million (about $2.9 million per year). Concord, in partnership with New River Community and Technical College, will serve students in Mercer, Monroe, Raleigh, Summers, and Wyoming County schools.