Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College will expand its efforts to help local students prepare for college and career opportunities through a $50,000 award from West Virginia GEAR UP.
The funding will support college-readiness activities for students in four counties within Southern’s service area — Boone, Lincoln, Logan and Mingo — reaching students at nine participating high schools.
West Virginia GEAR UP, administered by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, provides students with resources and experiences designed to increase awareness of and preparation for education and training after high school. Services may include college visits, college and career exploration, ACT and SAT preparation, tutoring, mentoring, financial aid and college-planning workshops, summer academies, and other activities that help students prepare for postsecondary success. The program also provides college-planning resources for families and professional development opportunities for educators.
Students in the classes of 2027 and 2028 who are enrolled at eligible schools will participate as GEAR UP cohort students, receiving services that began in seventh grade and will continue through their first year of college.
“Southern is proud to partner with West Virginia GEAR UP to help students across our region see college and career opportunities as possibilities within their reach,” said Elizabeth A. Manuel, Interim President of Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College. “This investment allows us to connect with students earlier, provide meaningful college-going experiences, and help students and their families understand the many pathways available after high school. We are excited to work alongside our area schools to help students build confidence, explore their interests, and prepare for their next steps.”
Jason Luyster, Senior Director of Student Affairs at the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and Director of West Virginia GEAR UP, said Southern’s continued partnership will play an important role in connecting students with postsecondary opportunities.
“We are grateful for Southern’s continued partnership and commitment to West Virginia students,” said Luyster. “Through this GEAR UP funding, Southern will help create meaningful college and career readiness experiences that allow students to see themselves on a campus, explore new opportunities, and expand their understanding of what college can mean for their future. These experiences are critical in encouraging students to pursue a degree, certificate, or other credential after high school. We also deeply appreciate the strong relationship between Southern and West Virginia GEAR UP, which helps make this work possible and strengthens the network of support available to students across the state.”
Southern is one of three West Virginia colleges providing staff and resources to support the statewide GEAR UP initiative, joining Glenville State University and Marshall University.
The current GEAR UP award represents the latest phase of a longstanding statewide effort to increase college awareness and readiness among West Virginia students. West Virginia’s current GEAR UP grant provides services to students across 11 counties and supports students from middle school through their transition into postsecondary education.
Through its participation in GEAR UP, Southern will continue strengthening relationships with area schools and creating opportunities for students to experience college, learn about career pathways, and prepare for life after high school.
To learn more about West Virginia GEAR UP, visit www.wvgearup.org.