Buckhannon and Weston students among participants selected for 2026 SpaceTrek aerospace program for young women

PLEASANT VALLEY, W.Va. — TMC Technologies (TMC), in partnership with the Morehead State University SpaceTrek Program, recently announced the selection of 24 students for the 2026 SpaceTrek Program, taking place July 12-25, 2026, at West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon.

The 2026 program marks a significant expansion of SpaceTrek’s impact across Appalachia and beyond. The program received 35 total applications from a wide geographic area, including Canada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Georgia and West Virginia. Following a competitive review process, 24 students were selected.

The 2026 cohort reflects both strong regional participation and broader interest, with 19 students from West Virginia, three from Kentucky, one from Pennsylvania and one from Ohio. Among the West Virginia participants are Teresa Benjamin, a homeschool student from Buckhannon, and two students from Weston: Vivian Abrego and Megan Lane, both of Lewis County High School.

SpaceTrek is a residential summer program focused on space systems engineering for young women entering grades 9-12 or transitioning into college. Participants engage in immersive, hands-on learning experiences in aerospace engineering, satellite systems and STEM innovation while living on campus, fostering collaboration, leadership and real-world problem-solving skills.

“At TMC Technologies, we are committed to building the future workforce by investing in programs that connect education to mission-driven careers,” said Jeff Edgell, president and CEO of TMC Technologies. “SpaceTrek reflects our focus on developing the right people, equipped with the right skills, at the right time to support the evolving needs of the aerospace and technology sectors.”

“Hosting SpaceTrek at West Virginia Wesleyan College allows us to expand access to meaningful STEM opportunities while delivering a truly immersive experience,” said Martina Wood, TMC Technologies program manager for SpaceTrek. “This year’s participants represent an outstanding group of future innovators selected from a competitive and geographically diverse applicant pool.”

SpaceTrek, launched by Morehead State University’s Space Science Center, expanded into West Virginia in 2025 with support from a $3.98 million grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission’s ARISE program, and continues to grow in 2026 with its move to West Virginia Wesleyan College. TMC Technologies leads program operations, engineering instruction and participant engagement.

2026 SpaceTrek participants

West Virginia:

• McKayli Parsons – Buffalo High School (Eleanor)
• Isabella Roark – Pike View High School (Princeton)
• Jaelynn Stover – Woodrow Wilson High School (Beckley)
• Vivian Abrego – Lewis County High School (Weston)
• Sofia Sarine – Ritchie County High School (Pennsboro)
• Kyra Williams – James Monroe High School (Lindside)
• Ava Costello – South Middle School (Morgantown)
• Eliza McAulay – Huntington Middle School (Huntington)
• Teresa Benjamin – Homeschool (Buckhannon)
• Megan Lane – Lewis County High School (Weston)
• Geneva Hilton – Homeschool (Beckley)
• Emma Lea Pedri – Independence High School (Cool Ridge)
• Eden Faulcon – West Virginia Virtual Academy (Falling Waters)
• Maria Lehki – University High School (Monongalia County)
• Avery Gearhart – Sissonville High School (Charleston)
• Reagan Moore – Park Middle School (Beckley)
• Payton Bartlett – Ritchie County High School (Harrisville)
• Mia Asbury – Sherman High School (Hernshaw)
• Jadyn Hose – Morgantown High School (Monongalia County)

Kentucky:

• Layla Arnold – Calvary Christian School (Alexandria)
• Felicity Middleton – Homeschooled (Pikeville)
• Layla “Harper” Smith – Sherman Oaks Academy (Coxs Creek)

Pennsylvania:

• Roosaina Vasquez – Moravian Academy (Allentown)

Ohio:

• Abigail Lim – Athens High School (Athens)