BUCKHANNON, W.Va. — A program designed to ignite a passion for space exploration in young women is expanding its reach to West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) this summer. The West Virginia SpaceTrek program, a residential summer program in space systems engineering, will host its 2026 session on the WVWC campus from July 12-25, building on the success of its inaugural year and aiming to inspire the next generation of female leaders in STEM fields.
The expansion is made possible by a $3.98 million grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE) program, according to program organizers. SpaceTrek is a collaborative effort between Morehead State University, TMC Technologies, and the West Virginia Public Education Collaborative (WVPEC).
Hands-on Learning in a Growing Field
SpaceTrek provides immersive, hands-on experiences in aerospace engineering, satellite technology, and other STEM disciplines for young women entering 9th–12th grade or enrolling as first-year college students. The program aims to prepare students for future careers in the rapidly evolving space and technology sectors. Participants will live on campus during the two-week program, fully immersing themselves in the university environment.
“West Virginia Wesleyan College offers an exceptional environment for SpaceTrek, and we are delighted to expand the program to their campus for 2026,” said Jen Carter, Director of the Morehead State University STEM Center of Excellence and founder of SpaceTrek. “The institution’s academic strengths and dedication to student learning make it an ideal partner as we continue to grow SpaceTrek’s reach across Appalachia.”
A Partnership Focused on Opportunity
West Virginia Wesleyan College President James Moore echoed Carter’s enthusiasm, stating, “West Virginia Wesleyan College is thrilled to partner with our friends at TMC Technologies to host SpaceTrek and support this incredible program for young women pursuing STEM.” He added, “Experiences like this spark curiosity, build confidence, and show students that they belong in high-impact fields like aerospace and engineering. When students engage in hands-on, real-world science at this level, it strengthens not only their technical skills but also their long-term academic success and college readiness. We are proud to help open doors to opportunity for talented students across West Virginia.”
TMC Technologies’ Role in Program Delivery
TMC Technologies is handling the programmatic operation and management of SpaceTrek, providing engineering expertise, multimedia management, and exposure to real-world aerospace tools and technologies. Denise Lindsey, Chief Strategist and Senior Vice President of the Federal Civilian Programs Division at TMC Technologies, expressed her passion for the program’s impact. “SpaceTrek gives students authentic, real‑world experiences in space systems engineering and STEM, which is exactly the kind of hands-on workforce development our state needs to prepare the next generation of talent,” she said.
Jeff Edgell, President and CEO of TMC Technologies, and a WVWC alumnus, highlighted the significance of the partnership. “As a proud alumnus of West Virginia Wesleyan College, I am especially excited to see the West Virginia SpaceTrek Program expand to my alma mater,” Edgell said. “This partnership brings together TMC’s commitment to advancing aerospace innovation and workforce development with a university that helped shape my own career.”
Expanding STEM Education Across West Virginia
The West Virginia Public Education Collaborative (WVPEC) is also playing a key role in the program’s success, focusing on student outreach and engagement through its STEAM Technical Assistance Center. Donna Peduto, Executive Director of the WVPEC, emphasized the program’s alignment with the collaborative’s mission. “The SpaceTrek program perfectly aligns with our mission to advance education in West Virginia from early childhood through higher education,” she stated.
Program Details and Application Information
The 2026 West Virginia SpaceTrek program will accommodate 24 students and provide on-campus residential housing. The participant fee is $1,000, with scholarships and financial aid available. The application deadline is May 11, 2026, with acceptance notifications scheduled for May 18, 2026, and a final RSVP deadline of May 25, 2026.
Interested students and their families can find more information about the program, including application details, on the TMC Technologies website and social media channels: LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
Organizers will host an informational webinar in the spring of 2026 to answer questions from prospective applicants and their families. Further details about the webinar will be posted on the program’s social media channels and website in the coming months.
