WVU president to join West Virginia STEAM Technical Assistance Center for classroom immersion in Monongalia County

WVU President Michael T. Benson will speak at the West Virginia STEAM Technical Assistance Center to engage sixth grade students at Mountaineer Middle School in Pipeline Pathfinders, a hands-on classroom immersion sponsored by the EQT Foundation. (WVU Photo/Brian Persinger) Download full-size WHAT: The West Virginia STEAM Technical Assistance Center, housed within the West Virginia Public Education Collaborative at West Virginia University, will engage sixth grade students at Mountaineer Middle School in Pipeline Pathfinders, a hands-on classroom immersion sponsored by the EQT Foundation. WHO: Michael T. Benson, WVU president; Donna Hoylman Peduto, executive director of the WVPEC; Ellen Rossi, president of the EQT Foundation; sixth grade students at Mountaineer Middle School WHEN: Tuesday, Nov. 18, 8:40 to 9:30 a.m. WHERE: Mountaineer Middle School, 991 Price St., Morgantown MEDIA AVAILABILITY: Members of the media who would like to attend the classroom immersion should RSVP in advance to Kristen Cosner, [email protected], and Teresa Nass, [email protected]. NOTES:  All visitors must report to the main office upon arrival. A photo ID is required for entry into the school. Pipeline Pathfinders launched this fall as one of the STEAM Technical Assistance Center's newest classroom immersions, developed in partnership with the expert teams at EQT Corporation. Using ecology, computer science, mapping technology and GIS layer data collection, students will evaluate potential pipeline sites, while also considering the environmental impact. Just as biologists track animal movements using remote sensors, students will use Micro:Bits and simulated game cameras to detect and record sightings and inform their decisions on pipeline site placements. About the STEAM TAC Since 2022, the STEAM TAC has conducted more than 650 visits across West Virginia, reaching over 60,000 students in grades 6-12 and more than 500 teachers. All immersions expose students to career-oriented skills and future job opportunities through the integration of multiple content areas at once, including science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics, history and English language arts. About the EQT Foundation The EQT Foundation is the philanthropic extension of EQT Corporation, the nation's leading natural gas producer, and is committed to the social and economic vitality of our operating regions. The EQT Foundation believes in meaningful engagement with the communities it calls home and takes great pride in the role as both a responsible and responsive corporate citizen. The EQT Foundation has developed strong partnerships with a variety of nonprofit organizations to enrich the viability of our communities, sustain the principles of continuous learning, train our future workforce, and preserve our natural resources. -WVU- kc/11/12/25 MEDIA CONTACT: Kristen Cosner Director of Communications, Academic Support and Services WVU Office of the Provost [email protected] Call 1-855-WVU-NEWS for the latest West Virginia University news and information from WVUToday. Media Advisories Provost