West Virginia SpaceTrek Program Waives Fees for all Participants, Extends Application Deadline to June 13

BUCKHANNON, WV — Morehead State University’s SpaceTrek Program and TMC Technologieshas 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. The application deadline has also been extended to June 13, 2026, ensuring more students can take advantage of this fully funded opportunity. The West Virginia SpaceTrek Program takes place on July 12-25 at West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon, West Virginia.

SpaceTrek, launched by Morehead State University’s Space Science Center is a residential summer program in space systems engineering designed for young women entering 9th—12th grade or entering college as a freshman. Two programs are held each summer, one in Kentucky and one in West Virginia. SpaceTrek participants complete a space-related science mission under the guidance of aerospace engineers and master STEM educators. SpaceTrek aims to empower young women to pursue career interests and explore college and career opportunities in aerospace.

“Cost should never be the reason a student misses an opportunity like this,” Morehead State University Center for STEM+eXcellence and SpaceTrek Director, and founder, Jen Carter said. “By making the West Virginia 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.”

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.

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.”

Along with the fee waiver and application deadline extension, TMC Technologies also introduced Martina Wood as the West Virginia SpaceTrek Program Manager, overseeing the management and daily operations of the West Virginia program. Wood earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science from West Virginia Wesleyan College in 2019.

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 dollar 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