Hello and Happy Fall! It’s hard to believe we’ve navigated through 12 weeks of school already! I cannot say enough about the persistence, the flexibility and the GRIT that our TRIO students are showing in this season of uncharted territory. We’ve had the opportunifrom the Director ... ty to safely visit every single High School and Middle School in our target area. We shared encouragement with our students and they’ve shown us how they’ve risen above these times to continue their involvement in school activities and excel in their course work. WE ARE SO PROUD OF OUR TRIO STUDENTS!
Fall 2020 IN THIS ISSUE:
Directors Message
STEM Academy
Fall & Senior Checklist
Fall Visit Pictures
Graduate Spotlight
Save the Date
We also want to acknowledge the teachers, school staff and administrators for always choosing students health and safety first, while providing excellent education. We are so thankful to be working with each and every district. This year, LCC Talent Search is thrilled to continue our STEM Academy with grant awarded funds. This Academy is designed for 20 students who are on the path to majors and careers in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The Academy will explore college campuses, university science labs, and businesses and organizations in the STEM field. TS participants will have the opportunity to participate in classroom and smallgroup workshops (in person and via ZOOM), academic advising, financial aid/financial literacy events as well as college visits, mentor program events, tutoring, and more. It is the goal of our program to help prepare students for entrance and completion of post-secondary education. Please stop by the TS meetings at your school to get involved in more activities or to contact your advisor if you have questions or need help! Best wishes for a successful 2020-2021 school year!
Daneen Landis-Coover Project Director TRIO | Talent Search
LCC Talent Search Mission: To prepare students from diverse backgrounds to attain post -secondary education through academic support, personal enrichment, and college and career exploration. LCC Talent Search Vision: To enhance students self-confidence and desire to reach educational goals by providing support through its programs, services & activities.
LCC TRIO Talent Search Program continues STEM Academy “There is a high demand and need for qualified STEM talent, and a STEM education is the key to remaining competitive in a global economy,” said Talent Search director Daneen Landis. “Our students in Southeast Kansas have exceptional talents, and our goal is to develop those gifts into excellences while supporting their individual educational journeys.” Our STEM Academy provides a powerful and innovative STEM curriculum and training method for our student cohort. Participating students will explore the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics through project based learning activities, visiting research and science labs at university campuses, exploring museums and career fieldtrips to STEM centered organizations and businesses both locally and across the nation. “We believe in the students of Southeast Kansas. We believe in their talent, their determination and their drive. We also believe that a STEM Education opens the world for students and we look forward to showcasing their talents through the LCC Talent Search STEM Academy,” said Landis.
2
SENIORS:
Fall Semester Checklist: Student Success
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible at fafsa.gov
Your parents/guardians must help you complete this in order to be eligible to receive financial aid (grants and loans) as well as some scholarships
Search college websites and request information
Schedule Campus visits for small groups (contact your Advisor)
Set goals / Study School Leadership Get involved / Be a leader Time Management Be prepared / Stay organized Attend TRIO meetings via ZOOM Register now for the Dec 12 ACT
TRIO | Talent Search BENEFITS: ACT Fee Waivers | College Application Fee Waivers | College Tours / Orientation | STEM Academy opportunity | Summer Trips (when permissible)….and more!
3
4
Talent Search continues to support our students post high school graduation. We are thrilled to see them succeed both in and out of the classroom. Each issue of our newsletter, we’ll check in on our TS graduates to see what they are up to.
NAME : MEGAN LOUDERMILK HIGH SCHOOL : PITTBURG HIGH SCHOOL COLLEGE ATTENDING : PITTSBURG STATE UNIVERSITY MAJOR : BIOLOGY, MINOR : CHEMISTRY (PREMED) ANTICIPATED GRADUATION : MAY 2024
When did you start participating in TRIO Talent Search? I started Talent Search in middle school, but did not become heavily involved until my high school career. Do you feel that Talent Search helped to prepare you for college? Yes, definitely. It gave me an idea of the atmosphere, helping me better adapt. It also opened up my eyes to other colleges. What has been your biggest challenge in College thus far? My biggest challenge in college would be the difficultly of classes—during the last year and half– due to the pandemic. What activities/organizations do you participate in? I am a member of the biology club at Pittsburg State University. I am also an interventionist at the Center of READing. What are your goals for the future? After graduating Pittsburg State University, I plan on attending KU pursuing a medical degree in hopes of becoming a Pediatric Endocrinologist. What advice do you have for high school students? Enjoy high school while you can, because when you get to college everything changes. Also stock up on any Starbucks gift cards, because coffee will be your friend. #coffeecoffeecoffee
NAME : PEYTON SIMPSON HIGH SCHOOL : SOUTHEAT HIGH SCHOOL COLLEGE ATTENDING : LABETTE COMMUNITY COLLEGE MAJOR : GRAPHIC DESIGN TECHNOLOGY ANTICIPATED GRADUATION : MAY 2021 When did you start in the TRIO program? I started being involved in TRIO Talent Search in 8th grade and strongly continued through my high school years. Do you feel that Talent Search helped to prepare you for college? Talent Search has been a wonderful asset in my college preparation. I was introduced to many different colleges that I could consider attending because of TRIO. Being able to physically visit some campuses with TRIO was also a huge advantage. What has your biggest challenge in college thus far? My biggest challenge in college has been staying organized and not pushing things off. Just know it is smart to get papers written as soon as possible and not the night (or hours before) they are due. What activities/organizations do you participate in? This is my 2nd year at LCC and I’ve been very busy with many clubs and organizations. I am involved in the Graphic Design Club, Phi Beta Lambda (the college level of FBLA), Phi Theta Kappa, and Student Government Association. I’ve received the Outstanding PTK Member Award, and I am President of the Student Government Association. In PBL, I placed 1st at the national level competition for Desktop Publishing and 3rd in Public Speaking. What are your goals for the future? My goal after graduating from LCC it to transfer to Pitt State to pursue a degree in Music Education, and from there it’s just 5 taking it one day at a time. What advice do you have for high school students? My biggest piece of advice for high school students is to slow down and don't rush things. High school is only four years and four years is not very long, so appreciate the good things while you are there.
Nov 17: Virtual FAFSA Info Night via ZOOM Nov 30: All High School TRIO ZOOM Dec 2: All Middle School TRIO ZOOM Dec 5: STEM Academy Projects Dec 12 : ACT Exam Feb 29 : SEK TRIO Day (location TBD) Mar 22-27 : STEM Academy Spr ing Tr ip Apr : TRIO Day (location TBD) Spring ’21 : STEM Showcase May : SENIOR Wr ap Up Event