FAIRMONT, West Virginia —TMC Technologies has announced that all participant fees will be waived for up to 24 qualified students selected for the 2026 West Virginia SpaceTrek Program, removing all cost barriers to participation in the residential summer program. In addition, West Virginia Wesleyan College will award $2,500 annual scholarships to students who complete SpaceTrek and are accepted to West Virginia Wesleyan College in a STEM field for a total of $10,000.

The application deadline for SpaceTrek has also been extended to June 13, 2026, ensuring more students can take advantage of this fully funded opportunity.

TMC Technologies President and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Edgell said the decision to waive fees reflects the company’s broader commitment to workforce development and STEM education.

“Waiving all participant fees allows SpaceTrek to reach students based on talent and interest, not financial means,” Edgell said. “Extending the deadline ensures more students can apply and benefit from this fully funded experience.”

SpaceTrek, launched by Morehead State University’s Space Science Center is a residential summer program in space systems engineering designed for young women entering ninth through 12th grade or enrolling as first-year college students. The program offers immersive, hands-on learning in aerospace engineering, satellite technology, and STEM disciplines while introducing participants to a university learning environment.

TMC Technologies, a leader in advanced engineering, aerospace innovation, and technical workforce development, is responsible for program operation and management, engineering expertise, multimedia management and engagement, and exposure to real world aerospace tools and technologies.

Along with the fee waiver and application deadline extension, TMC Technologies also introduced Martina Wood as the new West Virginia SpaceTrek Program Manager, overseeing the management and daily operations of the West Virginia program.

“Cost should never be the reason a student misses an opportunity like this,” Wood said. “By making SpaceTrek completely free for qualified participants, we are opening the doors wider to students who are curious about space, engineering, and technology, especially those who may not otherwise see themselves in these fields.”

Wood earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from West Virginia Wesleyan College in 2019. She began her career at TMC Technologies as an intern supporting NASA’s Katherine Johnson Independent Verification and Validation Program in Fairmont, where she worked on the Simulation to Flight 1 CubeSat mission. She later joined TMC Technologies full-time as a software engineer, supporting mission critical systems for the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services Division, which serves law enforcement agencies across the United States and abroad.

Denise Lindsey, Chief Strategist and Senior Vice President of the Federal Civilian Programs Division at TMC Technologies, expressed her enthusiasm for the program’s impact.

“I am deeply passionate about the SpaceTrek Program and the doors it opens for young women across West Virginia,” Lindsey said. “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. Seeing these students step into complex engineering challenges with confidence and curiosity is truly inspiring. I am incredibly proud that TMC Technologies is helping lead this effort and excited to be part of a program that is transforming futures.”

The West Virginia SpaceTrek Program is supported through a $3.98 million grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission’s Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies program, which has enabled SpaceTrek to expand as a multi-state initiative focused on strengthening STEM pathways across Appalachia.

West Virginia SpaceTrek Program 2026

• Dates: July 12 to July 25, 2026
  • Location: West Virginia Wesleyan College, Buckhannon
  • Capacity: 24 students
  • Cost: All participant fees waived for up to 24 qualified students

Application Deadline: June 13, 2025

For program information, contact Martina Wood at 304 612 6278 or martina.wood@tmctechnologies.com.

Media inquiries: John Dahlia, (304) 276-3161, john.dahlia@tmctechnologies.com.

 

About TMC Technologies
TMC is a leading innovator in advanced technology solutions, recognized as one of the best to partner with, not just in West Virginia but nationwide. TMC is not just a technology company; we’re a team of visionaries, engineers, and problem-solvers driven by a common goal: to shape a brighter future. Our diverse expertise spans various domains, including artificial intelligence, SAFe/Agile, and DevSecOps software development, cybersecurity, mission assurance, full lifecycle development, modeling and simulation, digital twin technology, cloud computing, and project management. This collective proficiency enables us to provide comprehensive, tailored solutions that cater to the unique needs of our customers. 

About West Virginia Wesleyan College
West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) is a private, four-year residential liberal arts and sciences college in Buckhannon, West Virginia. A tradition of excellence for 135 years, West Virginia Wesleyan is home to 14 Fulbright Scholars. WVWC offers students nearly 60 majors and 40 minors; graduate programs in athletic training, business administration, creative writing, nursing and counseling; 22 NCAA Division II athletic programs; multiple performing arts groups; and more than 50 organizations. Founded in 1890, the College is closely affiliated with the United Methodist Church and abides by the Wesley doctrine that emphasizes service to others.

About SpaceTrek
SpaceTrek, launched by Morehead State University’s Space Science Center, is a premier educational initiative integrating classroom learning with real-world aerospace and satellite technology applications.  The program has a proven track record of inspiring young minds, fostering innovation, and driving economic impact in the Appalachian region.