West Chester University STEM Initiative Supports Middle & High School Students
Posted by West Chester University on February 17, 2026
West Chester University’s (WCU) Center for STEM Inclusion has been awarded a $10.26-million federal GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) grant from the U.S. Department of Education, launching a transformative seven-year initiative to support 1,833 sixth- and seventh-grade students through their journeys to college completion. The grant is the largest secured in West Chester University’s history. In collaboration with its lead collaborator, the Young Men and Women in Charge (YMWIC) Foundation, Inc., along with the Coatesville, Chester, and William Penn School Districts, the project will provide comprehensive support beginning with current middle school students and continuing through their first year of college.
“This grant represents a significant investment in the future of our students and our communities,” says Dr. Brandon Mitchell, professor of physics and engineering who helped establish and currently leads the University’s Center for STEM Inclusion. “We are committed to creating pathways to higher education success for every student we serve. Working with our partners, we will provide the guidance, resources, and support these students need to realize their full potential.”
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