WCU’s Center for STEM Inclusion Secures Record-Setting $10.26 Million Grant From U.S. Department of Ed. to Help 1,833 Middle School Children
Grant is the largest in the University’s history!
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.”
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.
“I am deeply proud of the dedication shown to our Commonwealth’s students by our Center
for STEM Inclusion and all of our community partners,” said West Chester University
President Dr. Laurie Bernotsky. “Through our Center for STEM Inclusion’s partnership
with the YMWIC Foundation and the Coatesville, Chester, and William Penn School Districts,
we’re working together to build pathways that transform potential into achievement.
This seven-year journey is about ensuring that each sixth and seventh grader we serve
today becomes a college graduate tomorrow. We are grateful that the Department of
Education recognizes this commitment.”
The WCU Center for STEM Inclusion
The WCU Center for STEM Inclusion is dedicated to empowering southeastern Pennsylvania’s K-12 children and youth to pursue fields in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Dedicated to student success and expanding the STEM workforce, the WCU Center for STEM Inclusion is working actively to link experts in secondary and higher education, industry, government, and education-focused non-profit organizations directly with students from families with low socioeconomic means. These nurturing collaborations yield the vital resources and support that students need to successfully pursue STEM careers. Currently, the Center is partnering with more than 40 schools in southeastern PA and local non-profit organizations. In addition, it has recently launched a sector analysis survey designed to gather real-time intelligence from industry leaders about the specific workforce needs that will prepare the next generation of employees and leaders in southeastern Pennsylvania.