GEAR UP SWV

08/24/2026

Today’s Faces of GEAR UP SWV spotlight features Memphis Hurt, a student at Princeton Senior High School. Check the pic for his career goal and the steps he plans to take toward it. We are proud of all he has accomplished and excited to see the opportunities, experiences, and successes that await him in the future.

08/17/2026

Today’s Faces of GEAR UP SWV spotlight celebrates Amiya Ponder from Princeton Senior High School. Her graphic shares the future she’s aiming for and the path she hopes to pursue. We’re proud of her creativity, her ambition, and the big dreams she’s chasing.
GEAR UP SWV - Mercer County

08/10/2026

Today’s Faces of GEAR UP SWV spotlight turns to Nevaeh Woods from Bluefield High School. Her graphic shares the future she’s working toward and the direction she hopes to grow in. We’re proud of her interest in serving her community and look forward to seeing her goals unfold.
GEAR UP SWV - Mercer County

08/06/2026

Supporting educators today helps prepare students for tomorrow. We are proud to be part of professional learning opportunities that equip teachers with resources and strategies to foster student success and college readiness.

📚 Investing in student success starts with investing in our educators!

Mercer County's high school teachers are participating in SAT training led by The Princeton Review, strengthening their ability to prepare students for college readiness and success. Thank you, GEAR UP SWV for sponsoring this training for our teachers.

08/06/2026

Investing in student success!

Teachers from Mercer County Public Schools - WV , Monroe County Schools , and Raleigh County Schools recently participated in a two-day SAT Test Prep Training led by Master Trainers from The Princeton Review. During the training, educators learned about SAT test formats, effective time-management techniques, proven test-taking strategies, and ways to help reduce test-day anxiety.

The goal is to equip our teachers with valuable tools and resources that can be shared with 11th-grade students across our cohort, helping them feel more confident and prepared for SAT success!

08/05/2026

The Mercer Mall Back-to-School Bash was a great success!

GEAR UP SWV enjoyed meeting students and families, distributing school supplies, and sharing resources to help students start the school year strong.

A special thank you to Gail Webb, Mercer County Local Coordinator, and Jennifer Collis, Mercer County District Liaison, for spending the day connecting with families and representing GEAR UP SWV.

As we look ahead to the new school year, we're excited to continue supporting Mercer County students and families. With the first day of school set for August 20, we wish everyone a smooth transition, a successful start, and a fantastic year of learning and growth!

08/03/2026

Today’s Faces of GEAR UP SWV spotlight shines on Felicity King from Princeton Senior High School. Take a moment to look at the graphic to see her future career plans and the path she’s preparing to follow. We’re proud of her determination and excited to see her goals come to life.
GEAR UP SWV - Mercer County

07/31/2026

We're closing out Colton Bailey's NCCEP Conference interview series with a conversation featuring our Director! Hear her reflect on what continues to fuel her passion for GEAR UP, the advice she would share with her younger self, and the most rewarding part of watching students experience opportunities like the NCCEP Conference. Don't miss this meaningful look at the impact of GEAR UP through the eyes of a leader dedicated to student success.

07/30/2026

Next up is Colton Bailey's interview with our Assistant Director! Hear her share what keeps her passionate about GEAR UP, the impact of the program, and the advice she would give her younger self. Check out this insightful conversation, filmed during the NCCEP Conference as part of the Youth Leadership Summit!

07/30/2026

See you Saturday, Mercer County! Stop by the GEAR UP SWV table at the Mercer Mall Back-to-School Bash and let us help you start the school year strong!

📚🎉 Headed to the Mercer Mall Back-to-School Bash? Be sure to stop by the GEAR UP SWV table this Saturday, August 1, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.!

Upcoming Mercer County sophomores and juniors can pick up FREE school supplies while supplies last. Plus, parents and students who stop by to review their student’s test scores will receive a Chick-fil-A meal coupon—valid August 1 only!

We can’t wait to see you and help you get ready for a successful school year! 💙✏️📓