February 23, 2026

HESS Family Foundation Provides Funding for Wheeling University Mentorship Program

WHEELING, W.Va., February 23 – Through the generous support of the Hess Family Foundation, Wheeling University will again offer the 10-week mentoring program for students from Wheeling Middle School.

The University received $15,000 from the Foundation to support the Help Enrich Someone Special, H.E.S.S., Mentoring Program. Throughout the 10-week program, the Wheeling Middle School

students come to Wheeling’s campus where the University’s Education majors serve as mentors – guiding them when they participate in fun, educational activities in science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics (S.T.E.A.M.) each week.

H.E.S.S is enhancing the learning experience for the middle school students and Wheeling Education majors, said Dianna M. Vargo, Ed.D., president of Wheeling University.

Shawna Safreed, director of Education Programs at Wheeling University, said, “This grant makes it possible for Wheeling Middle School and Wheeling University students to work side by side in a true community partnership. This collaboration strengthens learning for the middle school students while also giving our future educators meaningful, real-world experience rooted in service and connection,” she explained.

 “The H.E.S.S. program provides the Wheeling University education students with the opportunity to engage with the middle school students in an informal setting. This gives the Wheeling University students a foundation that fosters communication and an understanding of student needs and recognition of student strengths. For the students from Wheeling Middle School, H.E.S.S. enhances critical thinking skills by providing them with the opportunity to participate in S.T.E.A.M. education. The students work collaboratively with their peers and University mentors to solve problems creatively. By bringing the Wheeling Middle School students to the University, they are given the opportunity to experience a college campus,” Safreed said.

Safreed added, “We are grateful to the Hess Family Foundation for supporting the continuation of this valuable educational program that aligns with the mission of Wheeling University – to educate students for Life, Leadership and Service. 

The 2026 H.E.S.S. Mentoring Program began on February 3.