BUCKHANNON, West Virginia — Morehead State University SpaceTrek Program, in partnership with TMC  Technologies, is proud to announce that the West Virginia SpaceTrek Program is officially launching  its second year and expanding to West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC) in Buckhannon, West  Virginia. The 2026 program will take place July 12–25, 2026, hosted on the WVWC campus. 

SpaceTrek is a residential summer program in space systems engineering designed for young  women entering 9th–12th grade or enrolling as first-year college students. The program provides  immersive, hands-on experiences in aerospace engineering, satellite technology, and STEM  disciplines, giving students an unparalleled opportunity to learn in a university environment while  preparing for future careers in the space and technology sectors. 

“West Virginia Wesleyan College offers an exceptional environment for SpaceTrek, and we are  delighted to expand the program to their campus for 2026,” said Morehead State University STEM  Center of Excellence Director and SpaceTrek founder, Jen Carter. “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.” 

“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,” said West Virginia  Wesleyan College President James Moore. “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 their long-term academic success and college readiness. We are proud to help open doors  to opportunity for talented students across West Virginia.”  

This expansion into central West Virginia is made possible through a $3.98 million grant from the  Appalachian Regional Commission’s (ARC) Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger  Economies (ARISE) program. 

Partnering for Success 

The success of the West Virginia SpaceTrek Program is driven by strong collaboration between TMC  Technologies, Morehead State University, and the West Virginia Public Education Collaborative  (WVPEC). 

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

“We greatly value our expanded partnership with TMC Technologies, whose leadership in managing  the West Virginia SpaceTrek program strengthens our shared mission to prepare young women for  the opportunities ahead in space systems engineering and STEM fields,” Carter added. 

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,” said Denise Lindsey. “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 young  women step into complex engineering challenges with confidence and curiosity is truly inspiring. I’m  incredibly proud that TMC Technologies is helping lead this effort and excited to be part of a program  that is transforming futures.” 

Reflecting on the growing collaboration between TMC Technologies and West Virginia Wesleyan  College, President and CEO Jeff Edgell expressed his pride in supporting the program’s continued  growth. 

“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,” said Jeff Edgell, President and CEO of TMC  Technologies. “This partnership brings together TMC’s commitment to advancing aerospace  innovation and workforce development with a university that helped shape my own career. Supporting  young women as they explore space systems engineering is not only vital for our industry’s future, it  reflects the values of opportunity, curiosity, and excellence that define both TMC and West Virginia  Wesleyan College. We’re honored to help support this next chapter of SpaceTrek in West Virginia.” 

The West Virginia Public Education Collaborative, committed to elevating STEM education statewide,  plays a central role in student outreach and engagement through the STEAM Technical Assistance  Center, which helps West Virginia educators integrate hands-on STEAM activities into their  classrooms. 

“The SpaceTrek program perfectly aligns with our mission to advance education in West Virginia from  early childhood through higher education,” said Donna Peduto, Executive Director of the West  Virginia Public Education Collaborative. 

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Program Dates: July 12–25, 2026 

• Capacity: 24 students 
• Location: West Virginia Wesleyan College, Buckhannon, WV 
• Residential Housing: On-campus residential facilities 
• Participant Fee: $1,000 (Scholarships and financial aid available) 

Application Timeline 

• Application Deadline: May 11, 2026 
• Acceptance Notifications: May 18, 2026 
• Acceptance RSVP Deadline: May 25, 2026 

For more information, please contact John Dahlia at TMC Technologies at (304) 276-3161 or by  email at john.dahlia@tmctechnologies.com. 

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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. 

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 West Virginia Public Education Collaborative 

The West Virginia Public Education Collaborative (WVPEC) is committed to advancing public schools  in West Virginia from early childhood through higher education. By engaging key local stakeholders  and national experts through outreach and innovative initiatives, WVPEC partner-members aim to  identify West Virginia schools’ most pressing educational needs, remove barriers to student success,  and positively impact the educational system and economy of the state.