WCU Magazine Fall/Winter 2025

CENTER FOR STEM INCLUSION SECURES LARGEST GRANT IN THE WCU’S HISTORY

West Chester University’s 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 $10.26-million federal funding amount from the U.S. Department of Education includes a matching component of $10,273,396 (50.03%) of non-federal dollars for a total investment of $20,535,375 to support sixth- and seventh-grade students through their journeys to college completion. The grant is the largest in the 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,” said Dr. Brandon Mitchell, the 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.”

By engaging students early in their academic careers and maintaining support throughout their educational journeys, the project aims to create lasting change in college access and completion rates through four primary goals:

• Strengthening Academic Achievement:
  Enhancing academic performance and college readiness from middle school through high school graduation and college enrollment
• Boosting Graduation Rates:
  Increasing both high school and postsecondary completion rates among participating students
• Expanding Knowledge:
  Improving student and family understanding of college options, preparation requirements, and financial aid opportunities
• Building Essential Skills:
  Developing the competencies, mindsets, and behaviors students need to thrive in college environments

The program establishes measurable objectives designed to drive student success, including improved attendance rates; accelerated mathematics achievement with more students completing Algebra I by ninth grade; higher academic performance across all subjects; and enhanced grade-to-grade progression. In addition, students and families will gain critical knowledge about navigating the college application and enrollment process.

The project draws strength from a robust network of community partners, including the DaVinci Center, Deloitte, Bentley Systems, the Justamere Foundation, and additional organizations committed to student success.

Dr. Brandon Mitchell, the professor of physics and engineering who helped establish and currently leads the University’s Center for STEM Inclusion, works with high school students in a recent workshop held on campus to introduce the youth to careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.