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 to Host “MCSTEAM Into Your Future” Event for Mercer County Students
For Immediate Release
**MEDIA ADVISORY**
Athens, W.Va. – GEAR UP Southern West Virginia (GEAR UP SWV) will host “MCSTEAM Into Your Future” on Friday, May 8, 2026, at the former Roses store location inside Mercer Mall. The event will bring together ninth and tenth-grade students from Bluefield, Montcalm, Princeton Senior, and PikeView High Schools for a day of hands-on STEAM learning experiences.
Students will participate in interactive science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics activities designed to encourage career exploration, creativity, and future readiness.
MEDIA ARE INVITED TO ATTEND
- WHAT: MCSTEAM Into Your Future
- WHEN: Friday, May 8, 2026, with two student rotation sessions at 9 am – 11 am and 11:30 am to 1:30 pm
- WHERE: Mercer Mall, Bluefield, WV – Former Roses Store Location
- WHO: GEAR UP SWV students – Ninth and tenth-grade public school students from Mercer County GEAR UP SWV
VISUAL OPPORTUNITIES:
• Students participating in hands-on STEAM activities (during rotations)
• Interactive educational demonstrations (during rotations)
• Student engagement and collaboration (during rotations)
• Interviews with organizers, educators, and students (between sessions)
Media should contact Jessica Doty (Lilly), before arriving at 267-684-5427 or [email protected].
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)
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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.