Gear Up SWV helping out in Mercer County Schools

BLUEFIELD, WV (WVNS) — Gear Up Southern West Virginia was all over Mercer County the week of Wednesday, August 21, 2024.

They were giving out school supplies in preparation for the new school year.

Gear Up Southern West Virginia’s main goal as a program is to make sure that the students of southern West Virginia are ready for what comes after high school.

They want these students to have a plan – whether that is to sign up for military service, joining a college or university, or even heading into trade school.

Gail Webb is the Mercer County School Coordinator for Gear Up and she said it is great to be able to provide for the students in this county.

“We’re giving out backpacks to all eighth and ninth graders. And here at Bluefield High School we have one hundred and sixty-three ninth graders that we’re providing backpacks and school supplies for,” said Webb.

Webb said starting the year with new materials can really help the kids focus on their future studies and not have to worry about not having a crucial supply during classes.

She said those working with Gear Up want to take their assistance further, though.

They want to really get students involved in a higher goal.

“We want them to develop resilience. So, if they have obstacles in their way during their high school freshman year or during their eighth-grade year, they know where to turn to for help,” explained Webb.

Webb said they would also like every student in the county to miss less than ten days of school this year and for everyone to pass their Algebra 1 classes.

8th and 9th graders in the county will also get to visit college campuses in the area as a way to help them visualize what they can do after high school graduation.

Webb said the Mercer County 9th graders will be going on a special visit this year too.

“We’re actually going to take all the ninth graders, next week, to the Raleigh County Convention Center to hear a renowned education professor speak. His name is Dr. Adolph Brown. And he talks about the importance of making a commitment to graduate from high school,” said Webb. “And so, they’ll listen to him and then they’re actually gonna sign a banner and commit to graduating from high school, and it’ll come back and be placed on the walls here in their home schools.”

Gear Up Southern West Virginia will also be doing family dinners for the Mercer County Schools throughout the fall.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.