Project Leadership

Free workshop helps

2011-12-16T09:00:00.000-05:00

Dave Murray, president of the NationalCenter for College Costs, will be presentinga special Indiana College Costs Estimatorworkshop for students, parents,educators and youth workers in GrantCounty. This special event will take placeon January 12th at the Conference Centerat Marion’s Ivy Tech Campus from 6 p.m.to 7:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend.

The Indiana College Costs Estimator is anonline tool that allows families to see thetrue cost of attending Indiana collegesonce financial aid is taken into account.Those with students in high, middle andelementary grades are encouraged tocome to learn about this powerful tool.

The public is welcome at this event.Please RSVP with Project Leadership ifyou would like to attend. Call (765) 651-0650.

Young entrepreneurs inspire

2011-12-16T08:57:00.000-05:00

This fall, 15 Marion High School students participated in aninnovative 10-week Young Entrepreneurs Program designed by theGrant County Economic Growth Council. This week, the students,who created local business plans, were honored by the community.

REMINDER: PL HOLIDAY EVENT IS TODAY

2011-12-16T08:51:00.000-05:00

Project Leadership will have its annual Jingle Bell Rock Holiday Celebration from 6 to 9 p.m. today at Ivy Tech’sMarion campus. All mentoring programparticipants, families and partners areinvited to attend.

Community members discuss action steps

2011-12-02T09:09:00.000-05:00

Start early.Get parents involved.Redefine “college.”Those are the tasks participants atan education forum believe are necessaryto increase the students whoseek education beyond high school.

The education forum, sponsored bythe Grant County College SuccessCoalition, took place this week atMarion’s Ivy Tech Community Collegeconference center. Communitymembers gathered to discuss the barrierskeeping local students fromseeking additional education afterhigh school and what activities couldbe started to assist those students.

“It has to be a partnership betweencommunity, school leaders and parents,”said Jean Taylor, an administratorat Marion’s Ivy Tech campus.Taylor also said that planting theseed of post-secondary educationearly is important. She said studentsneed to be told that they can go tocollege even though they might comefrom at-risk backgrounds.

Made possible by the state’s LearnMore Indiana partnership, the localCollege Success Coalition is part of acomprehensive effort to increase thepercentage of Hoosiers who attendcollege and complete a college certificateor degree within four years.

Martha Miller, Grant County LiteracyCouncil, said youths need to beshown the importance of going toschool and then continuing on tocollege. And they need to hear frompeople in the workplace.

Lezlie Winter, director of curriculumat Mississinewa CommunitySchools, said that we need to changethe attitudes of parents before we canchange the attitude of the child.Many parents, she said, are not involvedin their children’s schoolsbecause they are intimidated byschools in general.

“We need to create a nonthreateningenvironment where parentsare comfortable working witheducators,” she said.

Discussion at the forum also focusedon the definition of a collegeeducation, and that post-secondaryeducations can range from specializedtraining in a skilled trade to afour-year degree and beyond.

“We will always need people to be trained in skills,” said Joselyn Whitticker,newly-elected member of theMarion City Council. “They justneed some kind of training so theyhave a good job.”

Debbie Dailey, Director of Guidance at Mississinewa High School, suggested a database of individuals able to speak to schools about their jobs and include all kinds of careers in the database, not just ones that require four-year degrees.

The next coalition meeting will beat 6 p.m. January 12 at the MarionIvy Tech campus. Dave Murray of The National Center for CollegeCosts will present information aboutthe College Costs Estimator, a toolfor students to estimate the cost ofcollege and available financial

40 MARION STUDENTS IN NEED OF MENTOR

2011-11-18T11:30:00.000-05:00

At Marion High School alone this year,101 students applied to participate in ProjectLeadership’s mentoring program forTwenty-first Century Scholars. To date, 61Marion students have been matched witha community volunteer who is mentoringthe Scholar once a week at the highschool. Forty students remain on a waitinglist. Community volunteers like you areneeded to provide the support thatScholars need to find success. Mentorsmake a one-year commitment to meetwith one student once a week at the highschool.For more informationon Project Leadershipmentoring, call(765) 651-0650 orvisit the website byscanning the code tothe right with yoursmartphone.

Coalition Lunch to focus on education opportunities

2011-11-18T11:29:00.000-05:00

A local coalition is challenging others toredefine how people view college and whoshould attend.“College is any education you receiveafter you graduate with a high school diploma– whether it’s 6 weeks or 10 years,”said Kent Cocking, director of guidance atMarion High School.Kent is part of a small steering team forGrant County’s College Success Coalition,which formed earlier this year. The purposeof the Coalition is to establish communitypartnerships around a common goal – to getlocal youths to complete their educations.On November 29th, community membersand leaders are invited to participate in aneducation forum and lunch from 11:30 a.m.to 1 p.m. at Marion’s Ivy Tech CommunityCollege conference center. One of the purposesof the meeting will be to discuss localactivities that are taking place to promoteeducation and college success to youths. Thecommunity, including representatives frombusinesses, organizations, clubs, non-profitsand churches are encouraged to attend.“There is a need to coordinate the activitiesof people in the community who dothings for college success,” said coalitionsteering team member Ellen Spitzer. “Wewant a lot of different sections of the communityto join the discussion. We want toknow about what they’re doing so that wedon’t continue to repeat the same activities.Mississinewa High School guidancecounselor Debbie Dailey said: “Sometimeswe hear negative in the community, such ascomments about the unemployment rate andask, ‘What are people doing to fix that?’This College Success Coalition initiative istrying to put positive energy behind somethingneeded in the community. We wantpeople to come to the meeting who are interestedin seeing the workforce change.”Bengie Rodriguez, a manager at GrantCounty’s Walmart Distribution Center, isencouraging businesses to participate in theforum, pointing toward the push in the workforcesector for education and the new expectationsemployers place on future employees.“At Walmart, there is a real push togo to school,” he said.Cocking agreed that it’s vital for businessesand organizations with opportunitiesthat allow students to further their educationsbeyond high school to join in on the communitydiscussion.“We spend way too much time in educationcircles pushing kids into four-year colleges,”he said. “Many four-year collegestudents already know how to get there. Butthere are so many opportunities for kids inthe community to get trainings beyond that,”Cocking added, pointing toward examples ofcertifications and apprenticeships that canhelp prepare students for the workforce. “Weneed to centralize as a community so thatparents and students know how to accessthese opportunities. We should devise wraparoundservices for every kid that leaveshigh school so that no matter where they’regoing, they’re prepared.”IF YOU WANT TO GO: RSVP for theNov. 29th community lunch by contactingProject Leadership at 651-0650 ortpearson@projectleadership.or

Grant County's College Success Coalition

2011-11-18T08:47:00.000-05:00

About the Coalition:

The Grant County College Success Coalition is a community network with the common goal of increasing the percentage of students who enter college in the fall following their high school graduation and earn a college degree or certificate within the first four years of college.

Coalition members do this by implementing activities to help students find college-access mentors, succeed in a rigorous college prep curriculum, develop a college plan, and obtain financial aid.

Who should join?

All schools, churches, non-profit agencies, community service groups and businesses that care about the community’s young people and have an interest in the county’s well-being

How do I join?

Visit the Grant County College Success Coalition website at:
www.grantcountycsc.org
There, you can register your organization, view school data and submit activity ideas.

Member activities:

Member organizations commit to sponsor at least one activity per year to help students and/or adults enter and succeed in college. The coalition team will work together to generate activity ideas, guidelines and materials. These activities can be as involved as providing one-on-one FAFSA assistance or as simple as distributing college flyers. Members are invited to attend three coalition members a year where they will analyze data and make decisions about the coalition’s vision, goals and activities.

College Fair 2011

2011-10-14T11:28:00.000-04:00

Grant County students and families had the opportunityto explore 30 colleges during the College Fairat Marion’s Ivy Tech campus on Oct. 6th. It’s nottoo late to do some exploring of your own if you didnot get to attend the fair. Just call the admissionsdepartment at the colleges you are interested in toschedule a visit.

Project Leadership is Moving its office

2011-10-14T11:26:00.000-04:00

This month, Project Leadership is movingits office to 118 W. 25th St., Marion.Project Leadership would like its programparticipants and community partners toknow that it will have limitedphone and e-mailservice on Monday, Oct.17th, and Tuesday, Oct.18th, as it transitions toits new location.Project Leadership’sphone number willremain the same — 765-651-0650 — aswill the following e-mail addresses for staffmembers:Steve Gibson:sgibson@projectleadership.orgBrenda Morehead:bmorehead@projectleadership.orgTammy Pearsontpearson@projectleadership.org

Advice from

2011-09-30T11:24:00.000-04:00

Corey Sharp, director ofenrollment managementat Ivy Tech EastCentral Indiana, offersthese suggestions forstudents to make themost of the college fairon Oct. 6th at Ivy Tech:

CHECK IN:Be sure to stop by thecheck in desk at the collegefair on the way into help you plan yourevening.

MAKE A LIST:Start with identifying thetwo or three collegesthat top your list. Visitthose colleges first atthe fair. Then have asecond tier of collegesthat you’ve consideredand visit those, too.Have an open mindand, time permitting,visit a couple othercolleges to see if theymight be a good fit.

FOCUS:Sharp encouragesstudents not to befocused solely on onecollege when visitingthe fair. He saysstudents should focuson what their interestsand needs are and nottheir friends.“There are so manytimes people haveshown up to my doorhaving chosen a collegewhere their friends aregoing to go,” Sharpsaid. “That’s usually notthe best way to make acollege decision.”

Grant County’s college fair to host 30 colleges next week

2011-09-30T11:21:00.000-04:00

Students who are undecided abouttheir college paths will have the chanceto explore 30 colleges during nextweek’s Grant County college fair.

Corey Sharp, director of enrollmentmanagement at Ivy Tech East CentralIndiana, said colleges will include BallState, Huntington, IU Bloomington andKokomo, Manchester, Ivy Tech, IndianaWesleyan and Taylor.

“The fair gives students and familiesa one-stop shop to explore collegesthey’re interested in,” Sharp said.“Rarely does a student have theopportunity to talk to 30 collegerepresentatives at one time to seewhich school they want to attend, and Ithink that’s one of the best things thecollege fair has to offer.”

The college fair is sponsored by IvyTech Community College and IndianaWesleyan University and will be from6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday in theconference center at the Marion IvyTech campus at Ind. 18 and I-69.

There will be a financial aid workshop at 7 p.m. and a senior exit workshop for Twenty-first Century Scholars from 6 to 7 p.m. in the lecture hall. Kathy Niese, regional director for the WhiteRiver Valley Twenty-first Century Scholars office, said that seniors whoare Twenty-first Century Scholarsshould plan to attend the senior exitworkshop to receive information andsteps on how to receive their scholarshipsand to learn about deadlines andlegislative changes to the program.

Sharp said that a representative fromTransfer In also will be available duringthe college fair to talk to studentsabout how to use dual credit.

“Dual credit is an opportunity for highschool students to earn high schooland college credits at the same time,”Sharp said. The college fair, he added,will be a good chance for parents offreshmen and sophomores to explorewhich colleges offer dual creditopportunities.

UPCOMING COLLEGE VISIT

2011-09-16T11:20:00.000-04:00

Twenty-first Century Scholars are invited totake part in college visit field trips beingoffered this fall by the regional Scholarsoffice. Transportation is provided, and tripsscheduled to date are:Sept. 24, Indiana University,BloomingtonOct. 15, IUPUINov. 5, PurdueIn addition, Scholars who participate inone College Go Week activity or attend oneCollege Fair this fall will have the opportunityto participate in the Mystery Fall BreakCollege visit trip.Planning is underway for this popular trip,which will be October 27-28 in NorthernIndiana. For more information, or to registerfor any of the trips, call the Scholarsoffice at 765-289-2291, ext. 1475.

Ready? Set. GO!

2011-09-16T11:18:00.000-04:00

Interested in college, but not sure how to getthere? College GO! Week may be just what youneed. The weeklong event is September 26-30and encourages Hoosiers to plan for college bymaking good use of practical tips from LearnMore Indiana and local resources.Marion High Schoolseniors will have an opportunityto receive helpin applying for a collegeon Sept. 28 at the highschool. Senior English classes will all take partin College Application labs, where communityvolunteers will help them complete online collegeapplications. Contact Project Leadership at651-0650 or sgibson@projectleadership.org tovolunteer or participate in the event.Some colleges have waived application feesfrom September 26-30 in honor of College GO!Week. And some students, such as Twenty-firstCentury Scholars, can receive application waiversfor certain colleges. For more details aboutapplication fees at Indiana colleges, visit www.collegegoweekindiana.org.

Splash Bash

2011-09-02T11:10:00.003-04:00

It’s open enrollment season for Project Leadership’smentoring program for Twenty-first Century Scholars.To celebrate the start of a new school year, Project Leadership mentees,mentors and families gathered on Sunday for the annual Splash Bash atMarion’s Splash House. If you are a Grant County high school student whois a Twenty-first Century Scholar, call Project Leadership at 765-651-0650to apply to the mentoring program. Community volunteers who areinterested in being an encourager to a high school student may call ore-mail Project Leadership at sgibson@projectleadership.org.

It’s a back-to-school Splash Bash

2011-08-18T11:07:00.000-04:00

With a new school year gearingup, opportunities are runningout to get out there and enjoyone last blast for the summer.Project Leadership participantsand their families are invited tothe fourth annual Back toSchool Splash Bash at Marion’sSplash House water park (2601South Adams St.).This event will be held on Sunday,August 28th from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Attendees will havethe opportunity to enjoy all ofthe water park’s features includingits multiple waterslides, TheBig Flush and the new wave pool.In addition to free park admission, the first 100 Project Leadership mentees to arrive at thepark will receive a backpack of school supplies to get the year started. Pizza and drinks willbe served at 7 p.m. with a brief welcome from Project Leadership.Mentoring program participants interested in attending this event are asked to RSVP by callingProject Leadership at (765) 651-0650.Project Leadership’s mentoring program serves all five of Grant County’s high schools. Communitymentors are paired with local Twenty-first Century Scholars to provide support throughthe high school years and guidance toward a post-secondary education. Grant CountyTwenty-first Century Scholars interested in becoming a Project Leadership mentee are encouragedto contact Project Leadership at the number above to schedule an interview andreceive their invitation to the Splash Bash.

SAT and ACT

2011-08-18T11:01:00.001-04:00

Deadlines are rapidly approaching to registerfor the OctoberACT and SAT tests.September 9th is the registration deadlinefor the Oct. 1 SAT test. Go tohttp://www.sat.collegeboard.org/ to register.Sept 16th is the registration deadline forthe Oct. 22 ACT test. Go tohttp://www.actstudent.org/ to register.Most four-year universities require a standardizedadmission test, usually the ACTor SAT. Indiana’s four-year universitiesaccept test scores from both tests.Practice tests and additional informationabout the ACT and SAT are available atboth test websites and also athttp://www.learnmoreindiana.org/

1-on-1 Guidance

2011-08-05T10:52:00.000-04:00

Project Leadership is calling out to Grant County’sfreshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors tocommit to their dreams and seek out theone-on-one support that only a mentor can provide.Call Project Leadership at 765-651-0650 tolearn more or visit www.projectleadership.org.

6 Mentors talk about their Mentees

“I am so proud of Chelsea. She knows that she does not have to be perfect. Each time we meet, she shares her heart and asks if she is in need of help, has any concerns or just needs a listening ear. She has proven to be a hardworker and takes responsibility for her own actions. I am so looking forward to the upcoming years because each year gets better.” -Deborah

Tyler is an honest young man. A good citizen, worker at Little Caesar's,athlete, actor,band member,positive thinker,Black History Club and Youth for Christ member.He is working hard in highschool and is looking forward to college.” -Frank

“Karin is just a plain joy to be around. Karin has successfully made the transition (to a new school) and did it with grace and confidence. She has maintained her grades while adjusting to a new school.” -Sandra

“Brittany has come a long way since we first got together. Brittany has had an impact on my life and taught me much. I believe the two of us have accomplished what Project Leadership and the mentoring program are all about.” -Belinda

“Angelo is a sterling example of what the program can do and who it can benefit.Angelo demonstrates dedication and intelligence in all that he does at school and in life. This program is just what he needs to give him the extra support he needs to flourish and move onto college.” -Mike

Chelsea hasbeen such ablessing tomentor for thelast 3 years. She has faced many challenges in her life. She is a very focused young lady and very determined to succeed. Chelsea is a very talented,dedicated, and thoughtful person.” -Phyllis

Students find college money at FAFSA labs

2011-07-30T10:49:00.000-04:00

Shawn Butcher’s 90-minute visit to a financial aid workshop this week was almost as euphoric as winning the lottery.
The mother of three high school seniors was one of several parents who attended a FAFSA lab at Mississinewa High School. FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Students who want to pursue college must complete the FAFSA by March 10th. The Community Foundation of Grant County, Grant County Superintendents’ Consortium and Project Leadership partnered to host the labs, which are coming to each high school in Grant County this month. The labs are conducted by Murray & Associates: The National Center for College Costs.
The lab produced grins all around for the Butcher family.
“In half an hour I just made $16,000,” said Shawn as she completed her first FAFSA with her son Michael. “Where else can I go and make that kind of money in half an hour?”
Shawn completed online FAFSA applications for each of her three children who will be attending college next year. Thanks to the financial aid and FAFSA completion, Michael, Shawna and Amanda will be attending Lincoln Tech, Manchester College and Ivy Tech.
Based on her experience, Shawn encouraged other parents to participate in the FAFSA labs.
“It’s definitely worth taking your lunch break or personal time,” she said.
“If I don’t invest in my kids, who will?” Shawn said. “This is an investment in their future. They talk about human capital. I feel like I’ve increased the capital in my little part of the world.”
Grant County parents and students will have three more opportunities to attend labs. The high school labs will be Feb. 22 at Eastbrook; Feb. 23 at Marion; and Feb. 24 at Oak Hill. The labs are open from the start of school until 7 p.m. each of those days.
Shawn was thankful she didn’t miss the opportunity. On her way out of the Mississinewa FAFSA lab, she stopped for one last task.
Shawn, who’s pursuing her dream in a business career by attending Indiana Wesleyan University, decided to fill out her own FAFSA.

PL Page: Do YOU have what it takes to be a mentor?

2011-07-22T11:46:00.006-04:00

No. 1: It takes an hour. There’s a lot you can do in an hour. Wash a load of clothes, make a trip to the grocery or organize your kitchen utensil drawer. But doesn’t hanging out with an inspirational Grant County high school student sound like a LOT more fun?

No. 2: You will make a difference.
A serious difference. An attendance study at one of our local high schools showed that Twenty-first Century Scholars who are mentored had a daily school attendance rate that was twice as good as those not being mentored. Mentors really do make a difference in students’ academics, behavior and life choices.

No. 3: You care. If you didn’t, you wouldn’t have made it to Reason No. 3. Everyone needs encouragers in their lives — ones that come from a range of backgrounds and experiences. You’ve made some mistakes in your life and have learned from them. Now, it’s time to pass those lessons on to students who are ready to learn from you

To keep up to date with Project Leadership's programming, check out the PL page in the Chronicle-Tribune!

6 students open up about how mentors have changed them

2011-07-22T10:41:00.000-04:00

“Pam always encourages me to do my best, prays with me, and lets me know everything is going to be alright and boy is that a good feeling to have especially when you’re feeling down.” -Latesha

“Selena believes that I can do anything if I just put my mind to it and try my best. Because Selena challenges me, I want to try new things, go to newplaces and live life to the fullest. Selena has helped me in every aspect of mylife, she really does and acts on everything that the mentor/ mentee program stands for. Selena is more than a mentor, she is my sister and best friend.” -Taleeza

“Ginny has been helping me over the past four years. She has never given up on me. Looking back, I know I would not have graduated without her help my senior year. Even when I struggled this past year, she stood by me the whole time encouraging me to do my best.” -Olivia

“Jackie has been a part of my life and I could not ask for anyone else. I also love playing UNO with her and I will truly miss her when I go off to college, but I can always write, call and visit her when I come home from college.” -Amy

“Troy is a great guy, always there when we meet. He always brings me food and makes me laugh. He supports me in sports which means a lot to me. I know I can go to him if I need any help with anything.” -Lance

“I believe she is my guardian angel watching over me. Martha helps me when I really need help the most. She guides me in the right direction and she even challenges me to do things I did not know I could do.She believed in mewhen I didn’t think anyone did. Martha is my true hero.” -Mandy

PL Page: Leading & Succeeding!

2011-07-08T10:41:00.004-04:00

At the end of each academic year, Project Leadership participants are invited to Taylor University’s campus for Project Leadership’s Leadership Academy and Red Rubber Ball Banquet. In the afternoon, students have the opportunity to test their leadership, teamwork and interpersonal skills through activities on and around Taylor University’s Escape to Reality Challenge Course. In the evening, Project Leadership recognizes the accomplishments of its participants at the annual Red Rubber Ball Banquet.

To keep up to date on Project Leadership's programming, check out the PL page in the Chronicle-Tribune!

Make College a Reality

2011-07-08T10:40:00.000-04:00

Dave Murray, financial aid expert and president of the National Center for CollegeCosts, will be making a special appearance in Grant County on Saturday, July16th. He will be presenting two workshops introducing parents, students andyouth workers to the State of Indiana’s new online College Costs Estimator tool.The first session will last from 9-10 a.m. and the second will last from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Both sessions will be held at Ivy Tech’s Marion campus (at Ind. 18and I-69). This event is open to the public. Please RSVP at (765) 651-0650.

Leading & Succeeding

2011-07-08T10:37:00.000-04:00

At the end of each academic year, ProjectLeadership participants are invited to TaylorUniversity’s campus for Project Leadership’sLeadership Academy and Red Rubber BallBanquet. In the afternoon, students have theopportunity to test their leadership, teamworkand interpersonal skills through activities onand around Taylor University’s Escape toReality Challenge Course. In the evening,Project Leadership recognizes theaccomplishments of its participants atthe annual Red Rubber Ball Banquet.

PL Page: Senior Night!

2011-06-24T11:36:00.007-04:00

More than a hundred people participated in an open house on June 14th at Ivy Tech Community College to celebrate Grant County students and Twenty-first Century Scholars who:

1) Graduated from high school.

2) Devoted four years to a good citizenship pledge.

3) Participated for four years in Project Leadership’s mentoring program.

Families, mentors and community
members gathered to celebrate their successes and wish them well on their dreams to go to college.

To keep up to date with Project Leadership's programming, check out the PL page in the Chronicle-Tribune!

PL Page: Meet 28 of Grant County's Dreamers!

2011-06-10T11:28:00.003-04:00

Our Community had a dream four years ago: Educate students and families about a life-changing Twenty-first Century Scholars program. Encourage them. Mentor them. Help them chase their dreams.

Community volunteers and students stepped forward.
Four years later, the first Project Leadership mentoring program class is graduating. Today, we profile 28 of those students and invite the community to celebrate their successes at a community open house from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Marion’s Ivy Tech campus.

To Keep up to date with Project Leadership's programming, check out the PL page in the Chronicle-Tribune!

Meet 28 of Grant County's Dreamers & recent high school graduates

2011-06-10T10:05:00.002-04:00

Our Community had a dream four years ago: Educate students andfamilies about a life-changing Twenty-first Century Scholars program.Encourage them. Mentor them. Help them chase their dreams.Community volunteers and students stepped forward.Four years later, the first Project Leadership mentoring program classis graduating. Today, we profile 28 of those students and invite thecommunity to celebrate their successes at a community open housefrom 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Marion’s Ivy Tech campus.

The 28 Graduates:

Chelsea Hall- Attend IU South Bend and become a successful dentist.

Jacob Barnett- Attend Ivy Tech & Ball State for graphics communication & Music.

Charley Weaver- Attend Indiana Business College for graphic design.

Robert Luckey - Attend University of North Western Ohio to become a mechanic.

Kaitlyn O'Donnell- Attend Ball State and become a social worker or writer.

Aaron Fitziarrald- Attend college for cooking or computers.

Mariah Flowers- Attend IU South Ben to become a nurse practitioner.

Nathan Hobbs- Attend Ball State to major in math education.

Olivia Johnson-Attend Ivy Tech and transfer to forensic science school.

MarQuan Barnett- Attend Ivy Tech and work in the field of electric engineering.

Chelsea Dumpert- Attend Indiana Wesleyan University to double major in pre-;aw and history and minor in criminal justice.

Lindsey Foy- Attend Ivy Tech for Graphic Design.

Adam Koeberlein- Attend Indiana University to become a sports journalist.

Airiel Cavins- Attend Lincoln College of Technology and work in a body shop.

Jacob McMurray- Attend Ivy Tech for my prerequisites.

Kelsy Buckles- Attend Indiana University Kokomo and graduate with BBN.

Brandon Bosquez- Attend Indiana State, graduate and have a good job.

Brittany Baker- University of Indianapolis for doctorate in physical therapy.

Amy Bricker- Attend International Business College for graphic design.

Brittany Preston- Attend Ivy Tech and study nursing.

Eric Pearson- Graduate high school and get a job in Grant County.

Felicia Adams- Attend Ivy Tech for early childhood education.

Ericka Powell- Attend college to become a pediatrician.

Monte Arriaga- Attend Indiana Wesleyan Univerisity to become a RN.

Robert Burchell- Attend Indiana Wesleyan Univerisity to study chemistry.

Kalesa Guy- Attend Indiana Wesleyan University to study pre-med/Biology to become an optometrist.

Jessica Ashcraft- Attend IPFW and work in a career helping others.

Amanda Livesay- Attend Ivy Tech and Ball State to be a teacher or massage therapist.

PL Page: Scholars Unite!

2011-05-27T10:58:00.003-04:00

Leadership. Community. Camaraderie.

Since the start of the school year, Twenty-first Century Scholars from Marion and Mississinewa high school have gathered once a month to celebrate all three. Club members take on leadership roles and responsibilities to help develop future skill sets. Each of the Scholars Club members make a good citizenship pledge and plan to go to college. In May, both groups gathered for an end-of-the-year reunion at Marion High School that included a cookout and prize drawings.

To keep up to date with Project Leadership's programming, check out the PL page in the Chronicle-Tribune!

Community Open House to Celebrate Seniors

2011-05-13T09:42:00.000-04:00

On Thursday, June 14th, Project Leadership will be hosting a Community Open House in honor of the 2011 graduates participating in the mentoring program. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. and last until 7:00 p.m. in the Conference Center at Ivy Tech’s Marion campus, Ind. 18 and Interstate 69.
Project Leadership’s mentors, underclassman mentees, partners and the Grant County community at large are all invited to attend this evening to celebrate the hard work and achievements of the senior class.
All seniors interested in participating in this event must call Project Leadership at (765) 651-0650 to obtain their open house packet.

Project Leadership’s Fourth Annual Student Portfolio Competition

2011-04-29T10:03:00.000-04:00

Student mentees in Project Leadership’s mentoring program are invited to submit Portfolios for Project Leadership’s Fourth Annual Student Portfolio competition. Both completed Portfolios and individual pages will be accepted for judging.

Prizes will be awarded in the following categories:

•Individual Portfolio Pages (10 Awards Total)
•Growth & Development Award (For Updated Portfolio)
•Outstanding Freshman Portfolio
•Outstanding Sophomore Portfolio
•Outstanding Junior Portfolio
•Outstanding Senior Portfolio
Entries must be received at Project Leadership’s office by 4:00 p.m. on May 13, 2011.
For more information, call Project Leadership at (765) 651-0650.

FAFSA Correction Deadline

2011-04-29T10:02:00.000-04:00

Your senior year can often seem like a series of deadlines. First come standardized tests, then the college application deadlines. Scholarship deadlines come next, FAFSA completion, and before you know it May 1st brings with it the deadline to make a final decision on the college you plan to attend.

Even after you’ve met each and every one of these deadlines, there is still one looming that you must be certain not to miss. May 16th is the State of Indiana’s deadline to make corrections to your FAFSA. If a student plans on taking advantage of any of the state’s financial aid programs (such as the Frank O’Bannon Grant, Twenty-first Century Scholars and many more), all corrections to the FAFSA must be made by this date.

Once a student has completed the FAFSA, it is processed by the federal government. If there are issues that need attending to, the government attempts to contact the student in one of two ways. If the student provided an email address, they will be sent an email regarding any changes that must be made. An email is usually sent within five days of FAFSA completion. If the student did not provide an email address, a letter is sent through traditional mail. This letter can take up to two weeks to arrive.

Some students may have created a new email account to complete the FAFSA. It is important that students remember to check this email address regularly to monitor the status of their FAFSAs. If your FAFSA was accepted without the need for corrections, this is where your Student Aid Report (SAR) will be sent. Otherwise, you will receive a notice explaining what corrections must be made to your FAFSA. Similar mailings will be sent through traditional mail if you did not include an email address in your FAFSA. If you have additional questions or are having trouble accessing the email you provided in your original FAFSA, feel free to contact the Federal FAFSA Hotline at 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) for help.

Tell your story! Enter the 2011 Project Leadership portfolio contest

2011-04-15T10:00:00.001-04:00

Project Leadership is sponsoring its fourth annual Portfolio contest. Here are the details:
WHO’S ELIGIBLE: All student mentees in Project Leadership’s mentoring program.
PRIZES & CATEGORIES: Prizes will be awarded in the following categories:

In Individual Portfolio pages (10 total)
In Growth & Development
In Outstanding Freshman Portfolio
In Outstanding Sophomore Portfolio
In Outstanding Junior Portfolio
In Outstanding Senior Portfolio

DEADLINE: Submit all entries to Project Leadership’s office at the Community Foundation of Grant County, 505 W. Third St., Marion, by 4:00 p.m. on May 13th, 2011. Winners will be announced at Project Leadership’s 4th annual Red Rubber Ball Banquet on June 25th.

GO TO: www.projectleadership.org/portfoliocontest/index.htm
for more details and full guidelines.

QUESTIONS? Call Project Leadership at 651-0650.

Building Plan for Your Future: Project Portfolio

2011-04-15T09:56:00.000-04:00

While students are busyplanning for their future,it’s important that they arealso maintaining detailedrecords of their achievementsand accomplishments.Project Leadershipprovides a special kit for itsmentoring program participantsthat allows them todo just that.

With 10 different sectionsto fill with their story, ProjectPortfolio provides studentswith a tool they canuse to apply for scholarships,college and future jobs. However, a Portfolio is so much more than a marketingexercise.

Just as important as completing theportfolio is the journey students embarkon to develop the portfolio content. It is a self-exploration project, one that helpsstudents foster a stronger belief in themselves.

Below, you’ll find a small sample of ProjectPortfolio pages and tips to help studentsget started with them. Whether youare a participant in Project Leadership’smentoring program or not, we hope thatthese examples might help inspire you totell your own story by completing a Portfolio.To learn more, call Project Leadershipat 651-0650.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR FINANCIAL AID PACKAGE

2011-04-01T09:55:00.000-04:00

It’s official, seniors. You’ve got exactly two months left in your high school career and at this point you’ve gotten a good deal of the heavy lifting involved in planning for college out of the way. Testing, the application process and FAFSA are all behind you. At this point, what you need to do is kick back and wait for the mail to start pouring in. But, of course, you’ll want to make sure that you know what all of the college correspondence you’re receiving means and how you should act upon it.

By now, you should have received acceptance letters to one or more of the colleges to which you’ve applied. Following close on the heels of these acceptance letters should be a notification of financial aid awards. It is essential that you compare all of the financial aid packages that you are offered. This is the key in determining the school that is the best financial fit for you.

Understanding the intricacies of these financial aid packages can be difficult at times. Fortunately, most schools will offer the assistance of financial aid counselors or staff to help you make sense of your letter. Feel free to contact the financial aid department of your choice school for clarification or assistance.

Another resource that students in Grant County have to help them understand their financial aid package is the National Center for College Costs. The Community Foundation of Grant County and Grant County’s five school systems have come together to bring the National Center for College Costs’ programming and expertise to the students of Grant County. The Center’s representatives have many years of experience working with financial aid and are committed to assisting Grant County students in finding the school that is the best financial fit. You can reach the National Center for College Costs at their toll free number, (877) 687-7291.

Are You A Scholar?

2011-04-01T09:47:00.001-04:00

Step 1: Know what you’re enrolling in.The Twenty-first Century Scholarsprogram is a state of Indiana programdesigned to help students finishhigh school and go onto college.Students make a good citizenshippledge. They agree to no drugs, nocrime and decent grades — a 2.0GPA (that’s a C average). In exchangefor the pledge, the state offers to payfour years of college tuition to a publicIndiana college or university (theyalso help with private schools).

Step 2: Find Out if You're Eligible... Students can enroll only in 6th, 7th, or 8th grades. So you don't want to wait until you are a freshman in high school. Students must be Indiana residents. Finally, students' families must meet income guidelines. About 1 of every 2 families in Grant County meet them.

Step 3: Apply… Now.Grant County students can contact ProjectLeadership at 651-0650 to apply for the program.There’s a small amount of paperwork(promise!) that the Project Leadership teamwill help you complete. Project Leadership’soffice is at the Community Foundation buildingat 505 W. Third St., Marion.Students also can ask their school guidancecounselors for help in applying or the regionalTwenty-first Century Scholars office (based inMuncie) at 765-289-2291, ext. 1475. Enrollnow so you don’t rush the June 30th deadline.

Step 4: Keep Your Promise... Once you’ve enrolled,remember your promise. Makea game plan for keeping it. Whenyou’re in 8th grade, ask ProjectLeadership about enrolling in amentoring program for highschool students who are TwentyfirstCentury Scholars.

SCHOLARS UNITE

2011-03-27T09:43:00.000-04:00

Since 2008, Scholars Clubs have been active at both Marion and Mississinewa High Schools.On May 19th, they came together to celebrate another successful year.

Leadership. Community. Camaraderie.Since the start of the school year, Twenty-first Century
Scholarsfrom Marion and Mississinewa high school have gathered once amonth to celebrate all three. Club members take on leadershiproles and responsibilities to help develop future skill sets.Each of the Scholars Club members make a good citizenshippledge and plan to go to college. In May, both groups gathered foran end-of-the-year reunion at Marion High School that included acookout and prize drawings.

Project Leadership to hold 4th annual Red Rubber Ball Celebration

2011-03-13T09:41:00.002-04:00

Project Leadership mentees, mentors, families and program partners will all come together for the 4th Annual Red Rubber Ball Banquet on Saturday, June 25th, at Taylor University.

This evening banquet will be a celebration of a full academic year of mentoring in Grant County. Special presentations will be given by Project Leadership’s student participants and awards will be presented for outstanding Portfolio achievement and mentor/mentee of the year.

In addition to the evening banquet, Taylor University will also be hosting a special Leadership Academy that will be open to mentors and mentees (parents and family are welcome to observe). The Leadership Academy will include activities centering around leadership and success, as well as a ropes course where students will have the opportunity to soar among the trees on one or more of Taylor University’s challenge course offerings.

For more information about the June 25th Red Rubber Ball Banquet and Celebration, call Project Leadership at (765) 651-0650.

PL Page: Bowling Mania!

2011-03-04T10:52:00.001-05:00

Bowling. Friends. And lots of laughter. There was an abundance of all three at Project Leadership’s annual bowling party Saturday for mentees, mentors and families. About 100 people attended the event, which celebrates Grant County students who are Twenty-first Century Scholars.

To keep up to date on Project Leadership's programming, check out the PL page in the Chronicle-Tribune!

Bowling Mania

2011-03-04T09:40:00.000-05:00

Bowling. Friends. And lots of laughter.There was an abundance of all threeat Project Leadership’s annual bowling partySaturday for mentees, mentors and families.About 100 people attended the event, whichcelebrates Grant County students who areTwenty-first Century Scholars.

PL Page: Students find college money at FASFA labs

2011-02-18T11:10:00.003-05:00

Shawn Butcher’s 90-minute visit to a financial aid workshop this week was almost as euphoric as winning the lottery.

The mother of three high school seniors was one of several parents who attended a FAFSA lab at Mississinewa High School. FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Students who want to pursue college must complete the FAFSA by March 10^th. The Community Foundation of Grant County, Grant County Superintendents’ Consortium and Project Leadership partnered to host the labs, which are coming to each high school in Grant County this month. The labs are conducted by Murray & Associates: The National Center for College Costs.

The lab produced grins all around for the Butcher family.

“In half an hour I just made $16,000,” said Shawn as she completed her first FAFSA with her son Michael. “Where else can I go and make that kind of money in half an hour?”

Shawn completed online FAFSA applications for each of her three children who will be attending college next year. Thanks to the financial aid and FAFSA completion, Michael, Shawna and Amanda will be attending Lincoln Tech, Manchester College and Ivy Tech.

Based on her experience, Shawn encouraged other parents to participate in the FAFSA labs.

“It’s definitely worth taking your lunch break or personal time,” she said.

“If I don’t invest in my kids, who will?” Shawn said. “This is an investment in their future. They talk about human capital. I feel like I’ve increased the capital in my little part of the world.”

Grant County parents and students will have three more opportunities to attend labs. The high school labs will be Feb. 22 at Eastbrook; Feb. 23 at Marion; and Feb. 24 at Oak Hill. The labs are open from the start of school until 7 p.m. each of those days.

Shawn was thankful she didn’t miss the opportunity. On her way out of the Mississinewa FAFSA lab, she stopped for one last task.

Shawn, who’s pursuing her dream in a business career by attending Indiana Wesleyan University, decided to fill out her own FAFSA.

To keep up to date with Project Leadership's programming, check out the PL page in the Chronicle-Tribune!

Attention seniors: Financial aid labs are coming to your high school

2011-02-04T09:39:00.000-05:00

The senior year of high school can seem like an endless parade of important deadlines. Test registrations. College applications. But few deadlines are as important to remember as March 10th. In the state of Indiana this is the deadline for filing the FAFSA or Free Application for Federal Student Aid and each and every student intending to enter into higher education within the next year needs to complete this form.

For many, the prospect of completing the FAFSA can be scary, especially if it is your first time.

Angela Spangler, director of Adult and Graduate Financial Aid at Indiana Wesleyan University, said many people instantly get a little overwhelmed by the FAFSA. Spangler recalls feeling that way herself many years ago when she was preparing to go to college.

“I remember very clearly filling out the FAFSA for the first time,” she says. “I remember thinking if I filled it out wrong that the IRS was going to padlock and take me to jail.”

Spangler’s advice: “Don’t be afraid. Financial aid doesn’t have to be a terribly difficult process. Before you get frustrated, know that there’s hope out there.”

Mississinewa senior, Nathan Hobbs, agrees that there is both hope and help out there for seniors applying for financial aid.

“We’ve been hearing about FAFSA since our junior year,” he says. “Seniors just need to do it while they have the help available.”

Project Leadership in partnership with the five Grant County school systems and the National Center for College Costs will be offering help in the form of FAFSA labs at each of Grant County’s high schools during the weeks of February 14th and 21st.

FAFSA Labs will begin at the start of the school day when each senior English class will be brought down to complete their FAFSA online and consult with a representative from the National Center for College Costs. Labs will continue to be open after school until 7 p.m. for families to complete their forms and meet with financial aid professionals.

While Grant County’s FAFSA Labs are being brought directly to the high school seniors in our community, current college students and parents looking at attending college are also invited to take advantage of this free service.

According to Spangler, it’s important to remember that the first F in FAFSA stands for “free.” She cautions people against being drawn in by services that solicit payment to complete the forms.

“Don’t ever get caught up in a trap to pay to have anyone do it for you,” she says. “Find someone else who’s been through the process and gain knowledge from them.”

‘AFFIRM’ DEADLINE

2011-02-04T09:38:00.000-05:00

With January behind us, seniors have just four full months of school left before they cross the graduation stage and enter upon their post-high school educations. Still, there is much to be done to prepare for this journey.

This week, seniors should be thinking about the Twenty-first Century Scholars affirmation process.

As the clock continues to tick closer and closer to Indiana’s March 10th deadline for financial aid applications, it’s important to remember that March 10th is also the deadline for high school seniors to affirm as Twenty-first Century Scholars.

Twenty-first Century Scholars are those students who qualified for the program in 7th and 8th grade and made a pledge to stay off of drugs and alcohol, refrain from committing a crime, graduate from high school with at least a 2.0 grade point average and apply on time for financial aid. In return for keeping this pledge, students can receive up to eight semesters of free tuition to an Indiana college or university.

In order to receive their Twenty-first Century Scholarship, seniors must complete and submit both the FAFSA and an affirmation form before the March 10th deadline.

For more information on Twenty-first Century Scholars, the affirmation process or to receive an affirmation form, call Project Leadership at (765) 651-0650 or the Regional Twenty-first Century Scholars Office at (765) 289-2291, ext. 1475.

Project Leadership’s Annual Bowling Party

2011-02-04T09:35:00.000-05:00

Project Leadership will be holding its annual bowling party on February 26th at Marion Fun Center, 705 West 37th Street, Marion. The party will last from 6-8 pm and Project Leadership mentors, mentees and their families are all welcome to attend.

Additionally, any eligible 6th, 7th or 8th grader completing a Twenty-first Century Scholar application is also welcome to attend this event with their family.

For more information and Twenty-first Century Scholar eligibility requirements, call Project Leadership at (765) 651-0650.

PL Page: Big Impact!

2011-01-21T10:33:00.001-05:00

Have you ever been a mentor? Ever wondered about the difference you make? Could make? In honor of National Mentoring Month, Grant County’s Twenty-first Century Scholars reach out to their Project Leadership mentors to explain why what they do matters.

To keep up to date with Project Leadership's programming, be sure to check out the PL page in the Chronicle-Tribune!

Countdown to graduation

2011-01-07T09:26:00.000-05:00

Start thinking ‘FAFSA’

Seniors have a lot to think about as they enter the last semester of their high school careers. Starting with today’s PL page and continuing throughout this school semester, look for timely tips for seniors during this busy and crucial time in their educational careers.

Today’s focus is on preparing for the FAFSA or Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Every student who plans to further their educations after high school needs to complete the FAFSA. During February there will be plenty of one-on-one help available at each of Grant County’s five high schools. Look for a complete listing of FAFSA lab hours at your local high school in upcoming PL page editions.

What seniors need to be focusing on now is getting together the necessary documents and paperwork that they’ll need to complete the FAFSA. Below is a list of materials students should have on hand when it is time to complete the FAFSA:

Your Social Security Number
Your driver's license or state ID (if any)
Your W-2 Forms and other records of money earned
Your 2010 Federal Income Tax Return
Your parents' 2010 Federal Income Tax Return (if you are a dependent student)
Your untaxed income records - Social Security, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, welfare, or veterans benefits records
Your current bank statements
Your alien registration or permanent residence card (if you are not a U.S. citizen).

New coalition focuses on college success

2011-01-07T09:25:00.000-05:00

What could your business do to help get Grant County students to complete college? Does your church or organization have a program that assists college students? What can you, as an individual, do to make a difference in getting local students on a college campus?

These are some of the questions being asked by the Grant County College Success Coalition. And the coalition wants you to be involved in finding the answers.

The Grant County College Success Coalition is a network of local schools, businesses, churches, non-profit agencies and community service organizations interested in making higher education a priority for Grant County’s students. Made possible by Indiana’s Learn More Indiana partnership, the Grant County College Success Coalition is part of a comprehensive statewide effort to increase the percentage of Hoosiers who attend college and complete a college certificate or degree within four years.

The first Grant County Coalition meeting will be held at 6 p.m. January 19th at the Mississinewa High School library. Coalition members and those interested in learning more about this new initiative are to the hour long information session. Assistance will be available for those interested in registering for Coalition membership.

Organizations from around the county are invited to become a part of the Grant County College Success Coalition by visiting the coalition website at: www.grantcountycsc.org

Here, interested organizations can register to become a part of the coalition, view local school data, share college success activities, and learn about upcoming coalition meetings.

“Our hope is that the Grant County College Success Coalition will come to represent the different facets of our community,” said Tammy Pearson, Project Leadership director. “We would like schools and youth serving organization represented in the group, but we’d also like to see churches, businesses and civic organizations making a commitment to promote college attendance and completion to local students.”

Member organizations will learn about academic rigor, college opportunities, financial aid, and college access mentoring. They will also explore small and comprehensive activities that organizations can implement to help students and adults get to college.

“Promoting college access can be as elaborate as planning a campus visit or as simple as distributing flyers,” said Steve Gibson, Project Leadership education liaison. “Every organization has a part to play in establishing high expectations for the students in our county. Through the coalition we can serve as a resource for one another in developing this community wide push.”

BY THE NUMBERS: Twenty-first Century Scholars

2011-01-07T09:18:00.000-05:00

There are approximately 1,507 high school students in Grant County this year who are Twenty-first CenturyScholars. Below are the number of Scholars who are at Marion High School. The state’s Twenty-first CenturyScholars program is available to eligible 6th, 7th and 8th graders. Contact your school or Project Leadership at651-0650 to enroll.

There is 800 Marion High School students who are Twenty-first Century Scholars.

Potential tuition for students: $19,200,000

Rock the House

2010-12-24T09:31:00.000-05:00

200 Project Leadership participants, families and partners gather in Decemberfor Jingle Bell Rock, a holiday celebration for local Twenty-first Century Scholars.

Mentees, Mentors, and their families participated in the gingerbread house contest, guess that carol, and going to see the Christmas Lights in Matter Park.

PL Page: Rock the House!

2010-12-24T08:58:00.000-05:00

On December 3rd, 2010, 200 Project Leadership participants, families and partners gathered for Project Leadership's Jingle Bell Rock, a holiday celebration for local Twenty-first Century Scholars.

To keep up to date with Project Leadership's programming, check out the PL Page published in the Chronicle-Tribune every other Friday.

Community Foundation Of Grant County Accepting Scholarship Applications

2010-12-10T09:29:00.000-05:00

With the first semester of the school year drawing to a close, it is time for senior students to begin thinking about the scholarship application process. While scholarships are available from a wide variety of sources, one scholarship source that all high school seniors should be considering is the Community Foundation of Grant County.

Each year the Community Foundation of Grant County awards more than 200 scholarships to Grant County students. Last year’s scholarships totaled more than $300,000 and the 2010-2011 year has the potential to surpass this.

This year’s scholarship application became available online on December 1st, said Sherrie Stahl, program manager for the Community Foundation.

“Students can log onto comfdn.org, fill out and print the application and be eligible for a wide variety of scholarship opportunities,” she said. “It’s a single application for all of the scholarships that the Community Foundation offers.”

In addition to the completed application, students must also mail a picture, a copy of their transcripts and a letter of recommendation postmarked no later than March 1, 2011.

While the deadline for the Community Foundation’s scholarship application is not until late in the season, it is recommended that students begin the process as soon as possible. With between 300 and 400 senior students vying for awards, being prompt, accurate and thorough with your application is essential.

Stahl reminds students to take great care in preparing their application for Community Foundation scholarships. “This application is the only chance you’ll have to make an impression on the scholarship selection committee,” she said, “Take the time to make sure that it’s a positive one.”

5 Tips for College Applicants

2010-12-10T09:27:00.000-05:00

1. Apply to multiple colleges, but keep this number reasonable.
You’ll want to cast a wide net, but remember that the application process will cost you both time and money. Learn More Indiana suggests 3-5 college applications for seniors.

2. Seek assistance.
A guidance counselor. An older sister. A mentor. These may be some of the people in your life that can help you through the college application process. It can be very intimidating, but you don’t have to go it alone. When in doubt, ask for help!

3. Read the application carefully. Then read it again!
No two college applications are the same. This means that different schools may require different information and supporting documentation with your application. Be on the lookout for downloadable forms for your guidance counselors. Make sure you know whether the school to which you are applying requires an essay or letter of recommendation to accompany the application.

4. Print a copy for yourself.
It’s tempting to hit the “submit” button and bask in the joy of another completed application. Before you click, though, you should make sure that you’ve printed a copy of the application for your own records. A hard copy serves as a confirmation that you’ve completed the application and can be referenced later should issues arise.

5. Don’t take a rejection personally.
Many times a college or university’s decision not to accept a student has nothing to do with the student’s academic skills or educational potential. Sometimes it’s purely a matter of timing. Even if you happen to receive rejections from all of the schools you’ve applied to, all hope is not lost. Speak to your guidance counselor to learn more about the different options available to you.

Sources: College Board; Learn More Indiana.

HOW SENIORS CAN SEND TRANSCRIPTS FOR FREE

2010-11-18T08:44:00.003-05:00

High school seniors applying to colleges should use Indiana e-Transcript to send their transcripts. Indiana e-Transcript is a free service to Indiana residents and, starting this fall, has been expanded to work with colleges nationwide.

The free service is sponsored by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education and the Indiana Department of Education. To use the service, find the Indiana e-Transcript logo on your high school’s website or check with your school guidance counselor. You can access the e-Transcript service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

A local coalition is challenging others to redefine how people view college and who should attend.

2010-11-18T08:41:00.000-05:00

A local coalition is challenging others to redefine how people view college and who should attend.
“College is any education you receive after you graduate with a high school diploma – whether it’s 6 weeks or 10 years,” said Kent Cocking, director of guidance at Marion High School.
Kent is part of a small steering team for Grant County’s College Success Coalition, which formed earlier this year. The purpose of the Coalition is to establish community partnerships around a common goal – to get local youths to complete their educations.

On November 29th, community members and leaders are invited to participate in an education forum from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Marion’s Ivy Tech Community College conference center. One of the purposes of the meeting will be to discuss local activities that are taking place to promote education and college success to youths. The community, including representatives from businesses, organizations, clubs, non-profits and churches are encouraged to attend the lunch.

“There is a need to coordinate the activities of people in the community who do things for college success,” said Coalition Steering Team member Ellen Spitzer. “We want a lot of different sections of the community to join the discussion. We want to know about what they’re doing so that we don’t continue to repeat the same activities.

Debbie Dailey, director of guidance at Mississinewa High School, said: “Sometimes we hear negative in the community, such as comments about the unemployment rate and ask, ‘What are people doing to fix that?’ This College Success Coalition initiative is trying to put positive energy behind something needed in the community. We want people to come to the meeting who are interested in seeing the workforce change.”

Bengie Rodriguez, a manager at Grant County’s Wal-mart Distribution Center, is encouraging businesses to participate in the forum, pointing toward the push in the workforce sector for education and the new expectations employers place on future employees. “At Wal-mart, there is a real push to go to school,” he said.

Cocking agreed that it’s vital for businesses and organizations with opportunities that allow students to further their educations beyond high school to join in on the community discussion.
“We spend way too much time in education circles pushing kids into four-year colleges,” he said. “Many four-year college students already know how to get there. But there are so many opportunities for kids in the community to get trainings beyond that,” Cocking added, pointing toward examples of certifications and apprenticeships that can help prepare students for the workforce. “We need to centralize as a community so that parents and students know how to access these opportunities. We should devise wrap around services for every kid that leaves high school so that no matter where they’re going, they’re prepared.”
To RSVP for the Nov. 29th community forum, call Project Leadership at 651-0650 or e-mail tpearson@projectleadership.org.

Project Leadership Announces Third Annual Portfolio Contest

2010-04-09T13:44:00.003-04:00

Each participant in Project Leadership’s mentoring program is encouraged to showcase their skills,
talents and dreams in their very own Portfolio. While the primary purpose of the Portfolio is to help students market themselves, it can also be means of generating awards and recognition on its own.

Each year, Project Leadership sponsors a student Portfolio contest. Submissions for this year’s contest must be received at Project Leadership’s offices no later than 4:00 p.m. on May 14, 2010. Awards will be given for the best overall freshman, sophomore and junior Portfolios. Single page prizes will also be awarded for each Portfolio section.

Project Leadership's Portfolio contest is open to students in both Delaware and Grant Counties. Please deliver your contest entries to the Project Leadership office in your county.

Delaware County: 2500 N. Elgin St., Muncie
Grant County: 505 W. Third St., Marion

Project Leadership Grant County offers College Tour field trip

2010-04-07T13:38:00.001-04:00

On Saturday, April 17th, Project Leadership Grant County will be visiting all three of the college campuses in Grant County. This is a unique chance to learn about all of the higher education opportunities right in your own backyard! This field trip is open to Project Leadership Grant County mentees, mentors and parents.

This event will give students a chance to experience life on a college campus and look into the different areas of study that each of these institutions offer.

Bus transportation will be provided between schools, as well as to and from Project Leadership Grant County's offices. Lunch will be provided by Taylor University.

Buses will depart from Project Leadership Grant County's offices (505 West Third St., Marion) at 8:00 am and arrive back at approximately 4:30 pm.

Seating for this field trip is limited. Mentees, mentors and parents interested in taking part in this tour are asked to RSVP with Project Leadership at (765) 651-0650 or via email at:
llowe@projectleadership.org.

Meet the match: Nancy Bryant and Ashley

2010-04-06T09:16:00.001-04:00

Meet Ashley, a sophomore at Mississinewa High School, and mentor Nancy Bryant who participate in Project Leadership’s mentoring program, which matches community volunteers with local Twenty-first Century Scholar students.

Ashley

Career goals: Make-up artist, teacher, FBI, or working for abused children.
Favorite subject: Math and gym.
Favorite book: The Bible and picture books.
Hobbies/Interests: Talking on phone, hanging out with friends, Sudoku.
Family: Mom, Dawnette; dad, Scott; 2 brothers, Tyler and Brandon; 3 sisters, Tiarra, Maggie and Gracie; nephew, Bryson.
School: Mississinewa High School.

Nancy Bryant
Career: Librarian.
Favorite subject: French, English
Favorite book: My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult.
Hobbies/interests: Reading, shopping and Sudoku.
Family: Dad, Larry; mom, Carolyn; sister, Kathy; brother, Alan; 5 nieces and nephews.
School: Mississinewa High School, Indiana University, IUPUI

TO LEARN ABOUT THE MENTORING PROGRAM: Visit http://www.projectleadership.org/ or call Project Leadership at 651-0650.

Grant County mentees Invited to Follow the North Star

2010-04-05T13:23:00.001-04:00

The night is pitch black and you are on the run. You have risked
everything for freedom and the slave hunters are hot on your trail. You’ve nothing to guide you but the flicker of a fading lantern light. That and, of course, the light of the north star.

On April 24th, Project Leadership Grant County's mentees and mentors are invited to take part in the award-winning, immersive history experience, Follow the North Star. This award-winning presentation puts participants in the role of an escaped slave.

Over many years of historical research and development, Conner Prairie has created an experience that gives participants a real idea of what life might have been like for a slave in the search for freedom. It is an interactive glimpse into our shared past that can affect you in ways that reading a book or watching a movie cannot.

The bus for this event will leave from Project Leadership Grant County's offices (505 W. Third St., Marion) at 4:30 p.m. and is expected to return at 10:30 p.m. If you’d like to join us for this special event, please RSVP with Project Leadership at (765) 651-0650 or via email at: llowe@projectleadership.org. Seating for this event is limited and participants will be selected on a first come, first served basis.

Meet the Match: Carol Freeman and Makayla

2010-03-30T09:13:00.002-04:00

Meet Makayla, a sophomore at Oak Hill High School, and mentor Carol Freeman who participate in Project Leadership’s mentoring program, which matches community volunteers with local Twenty-first Century Scholar students.

Makayla
Career goals: Registered Nurse.
Favorite subject: Painting and math.
Favorite book: Do not have one.
Hobbies/Interests: Hanging out with friends
Family: Mom, Michelle; dad, Marty; grandma, Jean; brothers, Marty and Ryan.
School: Oak Hill High School.

Carol Freeman
Career: Banker.
Favorite subject: English.
Favorite book: The Last Lecture.
Hobbies/interests: Gardening, decorating, riding Harley Davidson with my husband.
Family: Husband, Todd; children, Greg, Nick, Taylor and Sami.
School: Marion High School, Ball State University and Indiana Wesleyan University.

TO LEARN ABOUT THE MENTORING PROGRAM: Visit http://www.projectleadership.org/ or call Project Leadership at 651-0650.

Meet the Match: Sandra Cash and Karin

2010-03-16T09:10:00.001-04:00

Meet Karin, a freshman at Marion High School, and mentor Sandra Cash who participate in Project Leadership’s mentoring program, which matches community volunteers with local Twenty-first Century Scholar students.

Karin
Career goals: Lawyer or a poet.
Favorite subject: Choir.
Favorite book: A Child Called “It.”
Hobbies/Interests: Singing, dancing, writing poetry, listening to music, and photography
Family: Dad, Troy; mom, Sherry; brothers, Kyle, Andy, David and Mark; sisters, Sharice and Ashley.
School: Marion High School.

Sandra Cash
Career: Resident Director at IWU.
Favorite subject: English.
Favorite book: A Wrinkle in Time.
Hobbies/interests: Cake decorating, boating, being outside in nature.
Family: Husband, Joel.
School: Oak Hill High School and Indiana Wesleyan University.

TO LEARN ABOUT THE MENTORING PROGRAM: Visit http://www.projectleadership.org/ or call Project Leadership at 651-0650.

Meet the Match: Mae Verheyden and Cassandra

2010-03-02T09:06:00.001-05:00

Meet Cassandra, a sophomore at Marion High School, and mentor Mae Verheyden who participate in Project Leadership’s mentoring program, which matches community volunteers with local Twenty-first Century Scholar students.

Cassandra

Career goals: Anything involving art.
Favorite subject: Art.
Favorite book: The Twilight Series.
Hobbies/Interests: Reading, drawing and other art.
Family: Mom, Carrie; Dad, Rocky; sisters Kayla and Abigail.
School: Marion High School.

Mae Verheyden
Career: World Gospel Missions.
Favorite subject: Math and art.
Favorite book: Lord of the Rings series
Hobbies/interests: Working with church, painting.
Family: Husband, Daniel.
School: Indiana Wesleyan university.

TO LEARN ABOUT THE MENTORING PROGRAM: Visit http://www.projectleadership.org/ or call Project Leadership at 651-0650.

Project Leadership Delaware County launches mentoring program

2010-02-24T13:27:00.001-05:00

Meet the Match: Steve Gibson and Aaron

2010-02-23T09:02:00.001-05:00

Meet Aaron, a junior at Marion High School, and mentor Steve Gibson who participate in Project Leadership’s mentoring program, which matches community volunteers with local Twenty-first Century Scholar students.

Aaron

Career goals: Cook.
Favorite subject: Gym.
Favorite book: Harry Potter series.
Hobbies/Interests: Going to the mall, hanging out with friends, playing video games and basketball.
Family: Dad, Brian; Grandpa, Glenn; Grandma, Sandy; two brothers, Jesse and Alex; Aunt, Tresa; Cousin, Noah.
School: Marion High School.

Steve Gibson
Career: Education Liaison.
Favorite subject: English.
Favorite book: A Brave New World.
Hobbies/interests: Cooking, writing, video and computer technology.
Family: Wife, Patricia Gibson; cat, Beans.
School: Yorktown High School, Ball State University.

TO LEARN ABOUT THE MENTORING PROGRAM: Visit http://www.projectleadership.org/ or call Project Leadership at 651-0650.

Meet the Match: Judy Cowling and Ashly

2010-02-16T09:00:00.001-05:00

Meet Ashly, a sophomore at Madison-Grant High School, and mentor Judy Cowling who participate in Project Leadership’s mentoring program, which matches community volunteers with local Twenty-first Century Scholar students.

Ashly
Career goals: Forensic Anthropolgy o r Family Physician.
Favorite subject: Chemistry, Biology and just about any other Science.
Favorite book: The Lovely Bones.
Hobbies/Interests: Playing trombone, reading and writing poetry.
Family: Mom, Cathy Miller; dad, Ora Miller; sister, Jessica.
School: Madison-Grant.

Judy Cowling
Career: Historic Preservation Specialist.
Favorite subject: Music, Chemistry, Biology.
Favorite book: Any PD James book.
Hobbies/interests: Baking, gardening, flute.
Family: Husband, Bill; son, Andy; daughter-in-law, Tina.
School: Ball State and IU.

TO LEARN ABOUT THE MENTORING PROGRAM: Visit http://www.projectleadership.org/ or call Project Leadership at 651-0650.

Meet the Match: Jay Sichting and Cody

2010-02-09T08:58:00.001-05:00

Meet Cody, a freshman at Oak Hill High School, and mentor Jay Sichting who meet each week in Project Leadership’s mentoring program, which matches community volunteers with local Twenty-first Century Scholar students.

Cody
Career goals: Undecided.
Favorite subject: Algebra.
Favorite book: Gym Candy.
Hobbies/interests: Skating, baseball.
Family: Two sisters and one brother.
School: Oak Hill High School.

Jay Sichting
Career: Vice President of Corporate Operations at Moorehead Communications.
Favorite subject: Math.
Favorite book: Public Enemies
Hobbies/interests: Sports, family activities.
Family: Wife, Emily; three children ages 3, 6 and 8.
School: Franklin College.

Meet the Match: Wendy Buettner and Faith

2010-01-26T08:56:00.001-05:00

Meet Faith, a freshman at Oak Hill High School, and mentor Wendy Buettner who participate in Project Leadership’s mentoring program, which matches community volunteers with local Twenty-first Century Scholar students.

Faith
Career goals: Go to Purdue University for veterinary science.
Favorite subject: English.
Favorite book: The Time Traveller’s Wife.
Hobbies/Interests: Swimming.
Family: Mom, Pan; brother, Tommy; dad, Butch Williams.
School: Oak Hill High School.

Wendy Buettner
Career: VP of Marketing.
Favorite things to do: Algebra and English.
Favorite book: The Hobbit.
Hobbies/interests: Making jewelry and travel.
School: Van Wert in Ohio.

TO LEARN ABOUT THE MENTORING PROGRAM: Visit http://www.projectleadership.org/ or call Project Leadership at 651-0650.

Mutual Bank Charitable Foundation Awards Grant to Project Leadership

2010-01-07T10:43:00.002-05:00

The MutualBank Charitable Foundation has awarded Project Leadership $4,000 to support its mentoring program for Twenty-first Century Scholars in Delaware and Grant counties.

Project Leadership offers a mentoring program that is primarily school-based. Mentoring is offered to high school students accepted into the Twenty-first Century Scholars program for the purpose of ensuring that they do not lose their scholarships because of poor academics or behavior. The program is structured to give Scholars the tools they need for success including the following:

—Scholarship: The State of Indiana’s Twenty-first Century Scholars program pays for 8 semesters of tuition at public Indiana colleges or universities.
—One-on-one attention: Positive community volunteers are matched with students and encourage them in their academic and life choices.
—Consistency: Mentors and mentees meet once per week while school is in session.
—Positive social interaction: Activities, such as field trips and cultural enrichment, encourage interaction between mentees, mentors and families in group settings.

The mentoring program is in its third year in Grant County and will be offered in Delaware County schools during the second semester of this school year.

“MutualBank Charitable Foundation’s generous contribution will have a significant impact on the students we serve,” Project Leadership Director Tammy Pearson said. “It will help support mentees in achieving their dreams of completing high school and pursuing post-secondary education — two main goals of Project Leadership programming,”

For more information, contact Tammy Pearson at 765-651-0650 .

Meet the Match: Jan Mitchell and Damishia

2010-01-05T08:55:00.001-05:00

Meet Damishia, a Sophomore at Marion High School, and mentor Jan Mitchell who participate in Project Leadership’s mentoring program, which matches community volunteers with local Twenty-first Century Scholar students.

Damishia
Career goals: Fashion Designer
Favorite subject: Health, Algebra.
Favorite book: Emako Blue.
Hobbies/Interests: Internet, writing and reading.
Family: Five brothers, three sisters.
School: Marion High School.

Jan Mitchell
Career: Former teacher.
Favorite subject: Too long ago to remember!
Favorite book: Snow Flower and The Secret Fan.
Hobbies/interests: Reading, Creating slideshows.
Family: Husband, Royce; son, Luke; daughter, Jenna.
School: Kansas State University.

TO LEARN ABOUT THE MENTORING PROGRAM: Visit http://www.projectleadership.org/ or call Project Leadership at 651-0650.

Graduation Coach Added to Project Leadership Delaware County Team

2009-12-18T10:52:00.002-05:00

Muncie resident and educator Julie McGee has joined Project Leadership Delaware County to lead and launch the local mentoring initiative. McGee’s undergraduate degree in social studies teaching is from Michigan State University and graduate degree in language education is from Indiana University. She is a former Ball State University college instructor and former high school social studies teacher.

As graduation coach, she will be recruiting mentoring program participants and monitoring the program. She joins Community Scholarship Liaison Dick Daniel who has been partnering since March with Delaware County schools and the regional Twenty-first Century Scholars office to recruit local middle school students into the state’s Scholars program.

“Julie’s lifelong commitment to education makes her an excellent choice for the position of graduation coach,” Daniel said. “Only half of the battle is won by providing students the opportunity to get money to go to college. The other half of the battle is to ensure that they successfully navigate their way through high school and into that post-secondary world.”

More than 7 out of 10 eligible 8th-grade students (73%) were recruited into the state’s Twenty-first Century Scholars Program this past enrollment year in Delaware County. Students are enrolled for the state program while in middle school. Sixth-graders were able to enroll last year for the first time because of changes in the program guidelines. In Delaware County, 35% of the eligible students in this grade level were recruited. Across all three recruitment grade levels —6th, 7th and 8th — 799 students or 49% of those eligible were enrolled in Delaware County.

“We’re excited to take this next step and are confident in the team we have in place to fulfill a collective community goal to increase the number of students pursuing higher education,” said Project Leadership Director Tammy Pearson. “Through its community partnerships, Project Leadership Delaware County is meeting its goal to increase the number of Twenty-first Century Scholars. The critical next step is to support and mentor students as they transition out of middle school and into high school to fulfill their Scholars pledge.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Project Leadership Delaware County

Community Scholarship Liaison Dick Daniel

765-747-5250

ddaniel@muncie.k12.in.us

Project Leadership Director

Tammy Pearson

765-651-0650

tpearson@projectleadership.org

Community Donations Lead to Launch of Mentoring Program

2009-12-18T10:26:00.003-05:00

Next semester, Project Leadership Delaware County will launch a mentoring program for local high school students who are on track to go to college through Indiana’s Twenty-first Century Scholars program. The program launch is made possible because of recent donations from community partners.

Those include:

· $51,000 from the Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County
· $5,000 from the Old National Bank Foundation
· $25,000 from the Walmart Foundation. These grant funds will be shared between Project Leadership’s operations in Delaware and Grant counties.
Project Leadership is a non-profit organization that works with communities and schools to improve high school graduation rates and encourage post-secondary educations. Project Leadership programming, which originated in Grant County, expanded to Delaware County nine months ago through funding from the Ball Brothers Foundation and support from the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce. Since that time, The Star Press Children’s Charities and United Way of Delaware County also have stepped forward as community partners to support Project Leadership Delaware County.

The recent grant awards from the Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Old National Bank Foundation and Walmart Foundation specifically will be used to launch the mentoring initiative among participating Delaware County high schools. Project Leadership offers a mentoring program that is primarily school-based. Mentoring is offered to high school students accepted into the Twenty-first Century Scholars program for the purpose of ensuring that they do not lose their scholarships because of poor academics or behavior. The program is structured to give Scholars the tools they need for success including the following:

—Scholarship: The Twenty-first Century Scholars program pays for 8 semesters of tuition at public Indiana colleges or universities.

—One-on-one attention: Positive community volunteers are matched with students and encourage them in their academic and life choices.

—Consistency: Mentors and mentees meet once per week while school is in session.

—Positive social interaction: Activities, such as field trips and cultural enrichment, encourage interaction between mentees, mentors and families in group settings.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

· Project Leadership Delaware County
Community Scholarship Liaison Dick Daniel
765-747-5250
ddaniel@muncie.k12.in.us

· Project Leadership Director Tammy Pearson
765-651-0650
tpearson@projectleadership.org

Meet the Match: Linda Lowe and Makayla

2009-12-15T08:48:00.001-05:00

Meet Makayla, a Junior at Marion High School, and mentor Linda Lowe who participate in Project Leadership’s mentoring program, which matches community volunteers with local Twenty-first Century Scholar students.

Makayla

Career goals: Nursing
Favorite subject: Nursing class at Tucker, US History.
Favorite book: Elmoa.
Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with my family.
Family: 1 ½ year old daughter, Makiyah.
School: Marion High School.

Linda Lowe
Career goals: Working with teenagers
Favorite subject: Math.
Favorite book: Redeeming Love.
Hobbies/interests: Crafts, reading.
Family: Husband, Steve; Daughter, Heather; Son-in-law, Aaron; Grandchildren, Grace, Landon, Javan, Callie.
School: Indiana Wesleyan University.

TO LEARN ABOUT THE MENTORING PROGRAM: Visit http://www.projectleadership.org/ or call Project Leadership at 651-0650.

Old National Bank Foundation Awards Grant to Project Leadership

2009-12-11T10:41:00.001-05:00

The Old National Bank Foundation has awarded Project Leadership Delaware County $5,000 to support its mentoring program for Twenty-first Century Scholars. The mentoring program will be offered in Delaware County schools during the second semester of this school year, with Old National Bank Foundation funds being used to support the costs of operating the mentoring program for portions of the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 school years.

Project Leadership Delaware County was launched in March 2009 with the support of the Ball Brothers Foundation and the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce. Additional support has been provided by the Community Foundation of Muncie and Delaware County, Inc., The Star-Press Children’s Charities, United Way of Delaware County and the Walmart Foundation.

Project Leadership offers a mentoring program that is primarily school-based. Mentoring is offered to high school students accepted into the Twenty-first Century Scholars program for the purpose of ensuring that they do not lose their scholarships because of poor academics or behavior. The program is structured to give Scholars the tools they need for success including the following:

—Scholarship: The Twenty-first Century Scholars program pays for 8 semesters of tuition at public Indiana colleges or universities.
—One-on-one attention: Positive community volunteers are matched with students and encourage them in their academic and life choices.
—Consistency: Mentors and mentees meet once per week while school is in session.
—Positive social interaction: Activities, such as field trips and cultural enrichment, encourage interaction between mentees, mentors and families in group settings.

“The Old National Bank Foundation’s generous contribution will generate a positive ripple effect among children and families in Delaware County for years to come,” Delaware County Community Scholarship Liaison Dick Daniel said. “We believe that this gift from the Old National Bank Foundation will have a long-lasting impact on the community’s quality of life and future economic health.”

For more information, contact Dick Daniel at 765-747-5250 .

Walmart Foundation Supports Project Leadership

2009-12-11T10:19:00.002-05:00

The Walmart Foundation awarded the Community Foundation of Grant County $25,000 in front of a crowd of mentors and the students the program is designed to help. The grant will help Project Leadership in Grant and Delaware counties to identify at-risk youth who have the desire and potential to attend college and receive post-secondary education.

“The Walmart Foundation’s generous contribution will generate a positive ripple effect among children and families in Grant and Delaware counties for years to come,” Project Leadership Director Tammy Pearson said. “We believe this gift from Walmart will have a long-lasting impact on our communities’ quality of life and future economic health. Project Leadership is grateful for Walmart’s strong involvement and connection with our communities, which will assure that the youths we serve will one day live better – and fulfilling – lives.”

Within the last year, the Indiana State Giving Program awarded more than $837,500 to local organizations such as Salvation Army, Down Syndrome Indiana, Indiana Recycling Coalition, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Tri-State Food Bank, FBI/AFCA Child Identification Program and the Greater Fort Wayne Chamber of Commerce. In Indiana, a team of local associates determine needs within each state, review eligible grant applications and make funding recommendations to the Walmart Foundation.

“Walmart is pleased to support community programs like Project Leadership,” said Jason Wetzel, senior manager of public affairs for Walmart in Indiana. “This is Walmart’s way of continuing to serve the community and our commitment to help prepare youth for a stronger, educated future.”

To be considered for support, prospective grantee organizations must submit applications through the Walmart Foundation State Giving Program’s online grant application. Eligible applicants must have a current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in order to meet the program’s minimum funding criteria. Additional information about the program’s funding guidelines and application process are available online at www.walmartfoundation.org/stategiving.
From February 2008 through January 2009, the Walmart Foundation awarded more than $423 million in cash and in-kind gifts, an $85.6 million increase over its global giving in the previous year.

Walmart’s FYE 2009 giving breakdown:

• In the U.S., Walmart gave more than $378 million in cash and in-kind gifts, up from $296 million in 2007.
• In international markets, Walmart gave $45.5 million in cash and in-kind gifts, up from $41 million in 2007.
• Globally, Walmart’s customers and associates gave more than $106 million through in-store giving programs that benefit local charities.

In total, Walmart, its Foundations, its customers and its associates supported communities around the globe with nearly $530 million in charitable contributions during FYE 2009.
In Indiana, Walmart operates more than 124 facilities employing 40,321 associates. It’s Walmart and Sam’s Club stores gave more than $7.3 million in cash and in-kind donations to local causes and organizations in the communities it serves in Indiana. With additional funds raised through stores and Clubs in Indiana, Walmart contributed a total of $10.4 million as a result of its Indiana presence. The company paid more than $45.4 million in Indiana state and local taxes in fiscal year ending in 2008.

About Project Leadership

Project Leadership is an eight-year old organization that began as a way to promote education and increase student enrollment in post-secondary programs. Today, Project Leadership recruits middle school students into Indiana’s Twenty-first Century Scholars program, which provides the financial means for low-income students to go to college. The program is structured to give scholars the tools they need for success – scholarship tuition, positive attention through mentorship, tutoring, social interaction and encouragement to believe they can achieve and succeed at their goals.

About Philanthropy at Walmart

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation are proud to support the charitable causes that are important to customers and associates in their own neighborhoods. Through its philanthropic programs and partnerships, the Walmart Foundation funds initiatives focused on creating opportunities in education, workforce development, economic opportunity, environmental sustainability, and health and wellness. From February 1, 2008 through January 31, 2009, Walmart – and its domestic and international foundations – gave more than $423 million in cash and in-kind gifts globally. To learn more, visit http://www.walmartfoundation.org/.

Meet the match: Sonia Strevy and Shasta

2009-12-07T08:46:00.001-05:00

Meet Shasta Bragg, a sophomore at Marion High School, and mentor Sonia Strevy who participate in Project Leadership’s mentoring program, which matches community volunteers with local Twenty-first Century Scholar students.

Shasta Bragg
Career goals: Pediatric Nurse.
Favorite subject: All.
Favorite book: Twilight.
Hobbies/Interests: hanging out with friends and spending time with my little sister.
Family: Mom, Melissa; sister, Daytona.
School: Marion High School.

Sonia Strevy
Career: Teach Nursing.
Favorite subject: Psychology, Health.
Favorite book:
Hobbies/interests: Reading, movies.
Family: Husband and four daughters.
School: Marion High School

TO LEARN ABOUT THE MENTORING PROGRAM: Visit http://www.projectleadership.org/ or call Project Leadership at 651-0650.

Grant County Scholar Speaks at Leadership Summit

2009-11-07T10:44:00.001-05:00

Jacob Barnett, a Marion High School junior and third-year participant in the Project Leadership mentoring program, was invited to speak at the recent Evan Bayh Service Leader Summit for youth in Indianapolis.

Barnett, whose speech focused on the topic of dedication, told his audience about the importance of teens aspiring to be leaders.

“We’ve got to have young leaders who can walk their talk, young leaders who can keep going despite obstacles or hard challenges, young leaders who are reliable and trustworthy, and young leaders who are prepared,” he said.

Barnett said he has a number of dedicated people in his life, including, his parents, his grandmother, his youth pastor, and his mentor, Stephanie Santarosa. Barnett recognized his mentor in his speech.

“Stephanie represents my definition of dedication — to be come more involved in the things you say and to invest or spend more time in whatever you are into,” Barnett said.
Barnett has been a mentee in the Project Leadership mentoring program since his freshman year. Mentors, who are matched with students in the Twenty-first Century Scholars program, meet with mentees weekly to encourage them in their personal and academic efforts. Scholars, if all program requirements are met, receive four years of tuition to one out of 80 public Indiana colleges or universities.

The Service Leader Summit is to recognize the efforts of Indiana’s student volunteers. Senator Bayh, along with Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, sponsors the summit each October to coincide with National Make a Difference Day. The summit consists of a morning presentation and program, a leadership lunch, an afternoon service project and a time of reflection.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact TAMMY PEARSON/Project Leadership/765-651-0650

Project Leadership Grant County Hosts M&M Night

2009-10-08T11:03:00.001-04:00

Join Project Leadership Grant County once a month for M&m Night!

What: Mentor/Mentee (M&M) Nights at Project Leadership

Where: The Community Foundation, 505 W. Third St., Marion

When: Once a month on dates shown below

October 27, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
November 19, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
December 17, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
January 28, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
February 23, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
March 25, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
April 22, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Why: 6:00 – 7:00 Structured Monthly Mentor Meetings
(if you are not able to attend these at the schools, this is another opportunity!)

7:00 – 8:00 Open Lab for Portfolio Development

New Community Partnerships Yield Higher Enrollment in College Scholarship Program for Delaware County Youths

2009-07-29T10:34:00.001-04:00

More than 7 out of 10 eligible 8th-grade students (73%) have been recruited into the state’s Twenty-first Century Scholars Program this enrollment year in Delaware County. This is a 29% increase from March of this year and an 18% increase from last year.

Students are enrolled for the state program while in middle school. Seventh-grade enrollment this year is 39%, a 9% increase from last year. Sixth-graders were able to enroll this year for the first time because of changes in the program guidelines. In Delaware County, 35% of the eligible students in this grade level were recruited. Across all three recruitment grade levels —6th, 7th and 8th — 799 students or 49% of those eligible were enrolled in Delaware County.

“We set very aggressive goals for Delaware County,” said Dick Daniel, Community Scholarship Liaison for Project Leadership, which partners with schools and the TCS regional office to recruit students. “We came very close to meeting those goals which were 50% enrollment overall and 75% of eligible eighth graders. We found that the biggest increases came at the schools that allowed Project Leadership to meet with students one-on-one. We hope that all schools will recognize the value of personalized contact during the coming school year.”

This spring, Project Leadership Delaware County partnered with area schools and the regional office in one-on-one meetings with eligible students at school and in mailings sent to individual homes as part of its recruitment strategies. Seventh-grade Delta Middle School student Rachel Smith was the winner of a Wii through a drawing Project Leadership Delaware County held for students who enrolled in the Twenty-first Century Scholars program this spring.

Grant County's Twenty-first Century Scholars Enrollment Soars

2009-07-29T10:15:00.000-04:00

More than 9 out of 10 eligible 8th-grade students have been recruited into the state’s Twenty-first Century Scholars Program this enrollment year in Grant County, a 22% increase from last year and a 40% increase from two years ago.

Students are enrolled for the state program while in middle school. Seventh-grade enrollment this year is 73%. Sixth-graders were able to enroll this year for the first time because of changes in the program guidelines and in Grant County, 78% of the eligible students in this grade level were recruited. Across all three recruitment grade levels —6th, 7th and 8th — 1,107 students were enrolled in Grant County.

“These are phenomenal results that exceeded our expectations,” said Tammy Pearson, director of Project Leadership, which partners with schools and the TCS regional office to recruit students. “What these recruitment numbers tell us is that families are beginning to get the message that the Twenty-first Century Scholars program is one that they cannot afford to pass up. The increase also is a positive reflection on the successful partnership that has formed with Grant County schools.”

ABOUT THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY SCHOLARS PROGRAM:
Students enrolled in Indiana’s Twenty-first Century Scholars program receive four years of tuition to one out of 80 public Indiana colleges or universities. The Scholars program was established to decrease drug and alcohol use, reduce juvenile crime, decrease the number of student dropouts, increase the number of students entering post-secondary education, better prepare students for the workforce after graduation, and improve the overall quality of life for Indiana residents. Scholars and their families must meet income guidelines – ones that mirror free/reduced lunch guidelines – to be eligible for the program. Scholars, upon enrolling in the program, pledge to graduate from high school, achieve a cumulative high school GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale, agree not to use illegal drugs or alcohol or commit a crime, apply to an eligible Indiana college, university or technical school as a high school senior, and apply on time for state and federal financial aid.

GRANT COUNTY’S RECRUITMENT HISTORY
A small percentage —16% — of eligible Scholars were signed up for the state program in Grant County in early 2007. Since that time, Grant County schools, the region’s Twenty-first Century Scholars office and Project Leadership have partnered to dramatically and consistently improve on the number of local families taking the state up on its scholarship offer and life-changing opportunity for students. Since this partnership, recruitment has increased over the past two years from 16% in early 2007 to 82% total enrollment in June 2009.

“The partnership has resulted in new and innovative approaches among our collective recruitment teams,” said Linda Lowe, Project Leadership Assistant Director and Community Scholarship Liaison.
For example, for the first time, each Grant County middle school registration was staffed by enrollment teams last school year, resulting in about 500 newly recruited students, Lowe said.
“In another first, applications were completed one-on-one with eligible students at each middle school in a spring recruitment blitz,” Lowe said. “We’re repeating both recruitment strategies beginning this fall because they were so successful last year.”
Recruitment teams will be working Grant County middle school registrations, beginning the last week of July and through the first part of August. Lowe said students and parents should come prepared to complete an application for their 6th, 7th and 8th graders at the time of their registration. The application process is made easier this year because students that qualify for and are enrolled in the free and reduced lunch program do not have to complete the income section of the application. For more information or to enroll in the program, students and families may contact Project Leadership at 651-0650, the regional Twenty-first Century Scholars office at 1-877-717-2121 or their school.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact TAMMY PEARSON AND LINDA LOWE / Project Leadership / 765-651-0650

Former Principal will Lead Project Leadership Delaware County

2009-03-26T10:36:00.001-04:00

Long-time Delaware County resident and former school administrator Dick Daniel has been selected to lead Project Leadership Delaware County, an initiative to improve high school graduation rates and promote post-secondary educations.

Project Leadership, a non-profit agency based in Grant County, is expanding its education work into the Delaware County community through the support of the Ball Brothers Foundation. The Ball Brothers Foundation awarded a grant that will focus on these key areas:
· Recruiting eligible 6th-, 7th- and 8th-grade students into the state’s Twenty-first Century Scholars program, which offers four years of tuition assistance to state colleges.
· Retaining students who have been enrolled into the Twenty-first Century Scholars program through mentoring and accountability initiatives designed to ensure they complete high school and pursue higher educations.

Daniel, who retired in spring 2008 as the principal of Muncie Central High School, has a 30-year history with Muncie schools, working closely with school administrative teams, teachers, parents and community members.

“Mr. Daniel’s education background, administrator experience, high visibility in the community and passion for Delaware County and its youths made him an ideal choice,” Project Leadership Director Tammy Pearson said.

Project Leadership is partnering with the Muncie-Delaware County Chamber of Commerce to launch the program, which is being supported through funding by the Ball Brothers Foundation through June 2012. Program objectives will include:
GOAL 1: Develop a strategic plan, concentrating on program sustainability, accountability and project partners.
GOAL 2: Increase the number of Delaware County 6th, 7th and 8th graders enrolled in the Twenty-first Century Scholars program.
GOAL 3: Launch a mentoring program for Twenty-first Century Scholars that matches students with community volunteers.
GOAL 4: Guide students in their career paths, coaching them through the development of portfolios they will use to apply for future scholarships, college and jobs.
GOAL 5: Educate students and bring hope to families by helping them develop college costs plans.

Project Leadership Delaware County will be housed in the Muncie Career Center, ADDRESS. Daniel’s will begin in his position March 9th.

Meet the Match: Belinda Hussong and Brittany

2009-03-20T16:02:00.000-04:00

Meet Brittany, a sophomore, at Mississinewa High School, and mentor Belinda Hussong who meet each week in Project Leadership’s mentoring program, which matches community volunteers with local Twenty-first Century Scholar students.

Brittany

Career goals: Photographer and/or teacher.
Favorite subject: English, Computers.
Favorite book: Twilight series.
Hobbies/Interests: reading, taking pictures, poetry, hanging out with friends.
Family: Two brothers, Wyatt and Chris; one sister, Haley; grandma, Ruth Anne; grandpa, Lloyd.
School: Mississinewa High School.

Belinda Hussong
Career goals: Park Director.
Favorite subject: History.
Favorite book: Little Women.
Hobbies/interests: Bicycle riding, motorcycle riding, cooking.
Family: Husband, Ken; daughter, Lori; son, Brad.
School: Indiana University, Indiana Wesleyan University.

TO LEARN ABOUT THE MENTORING PROGRAM: Visit http://www.projectleadership.org/ or call Project Leadership at 651-0650.

Meet the Match: Heather Pratt and Clarissa

2009-03-13T16:01:00.001-04:00

Meet Clarissa, a freshman, at Marion High School, and mentor Heather Pratt who meet each week in Project Leadership’s mentoring program, which matches community volunteers with local Twenty-first Century Scholar students.

Clarissa

Career goals: Hair stylist.
Favorite subject: Math.
Favorite book: Because of Winn Dixie.
Hobbies/Interests: Doing hair.
Family: Dad, Charles Sanders; mom, Terri Nelson; six brothers, two sisters.
School: Marion High School.

Heather Pratt
Career goals: Teach college.
Favorite subject: English.
Favorite book: Harry Potter series.
Hobbies/interests: Reading, decorating.
Family: Husband, Aaron Pratt.
School:

TO LEARN ABOUT THE MENTORING PROGRAM: Visit http://www.projectleadership.org/ or call Project Leadership at 651-0650.

Meet the Match: Hayley Wampner and Katlyn

2009-03-09T09:08:00.000-04:00

Meet Katlyn, a sophomore at Marion High School, and mentor Hayley who participate in Project Leadership’s mentoring program, which matches community volunteers with local Twenty-first Century Scholar students.

Katlyn Nall
Career goals: Crime Scene Investigator.
Favorite subject: Sweets (choir), math.
Favorite book: The Twilight Series.
Hobbies/Interests: Cheerleading, Sweets
Family: Mom, Michelle Herring; dad, John Nall; brother, Justin Nall.
School: Marion High School.

Hayley Wampner
Career: School Psychology.
Favorite subject: Child Development.
Favorite book: None.
Hobbies/interests: Sports, shopping.
Family: Dad, Steve; mom, Sue.
School: Indiana Wesleyan university.

TO LEARN ABOUT THE MENTORING PROGRAM: Visit http://www.projectleadership.org/ or call Project Leadership at 651-0650.

Meet the Match: Patricia Miller and Jade

2009-03-05T15:57:00.001-05:00

Meet Jade, a freshman at Marion High School, and mentor Patricia Miller who meet each week in Project Leadership’s mentoring program, which matches community volunteers with local Twenty-first Century Scholar students.

Jade
Career goals: Become and Algebra teacher.
Favorite subject: English, Algebra.
Favorite book: Forever by Judy Blume.
Hobbies/Interests: Reading, listening to music and being with friends.
Family: mother, Veronica; step-mother, Crystal; father, Billy; sister, Selena and Jacelynne.
School: Marion High School.

Patricia Miller
Career: Academic Specialist at Allen Elementary School.
Favorite subject: Science.
Favorite book: Bible.
Hobbies/interests: Baking, teaching children to read.
Family: husband, Alan Miller.
School: Indiana University.

TO LEARN ABOUT THE MENTORING PROGRAM: Visit http://www.projectleadership.org/ or call Project Leadership at 651-0650.

Meet the Match: Teresa Colyer and Katelyn

2009-02-13T13:33:00.000-05:00

Meet Katelyn, a freshman at Mississinewa High School, and mentor Teresa Colyer who meet each week in Project Leadership’s mentoring program, which matches community volunteers with local Twenty-first Century Scholar students.

Katelyn
Career goals: Beautician.
Favorite subject: Math.
Favorite book: Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.
Hobbies/Interests: Volleyball, hanging with friends.
Family: Mom, Carla; dad, Bobby; brother, Matthew.
School: Mississinewa High School.

Teresa Colyer
Career: Business Management.
Favorite subject: English.
Favorite book: Anything by Karen Kingsbury.
Hobbies/interests: Sewing, reading, spending time with family.
Family: Husband, Paul; four children; four grandchildren.
School: Eastbrook High School; IWU graduate

TO LEARN ABOUT THE MENTORING PROGRAM: Visit http://www.projectleadership.org/ or call Project Leadership at 651-0650.

Meet the Match: Nancy Abraham and Michaela

2009-02-06T13:30:00.000-05:00

Meet Michaela, a freshman at Mississinewa High School, and mentor Nancy Abraham who meet each week in Project Leadership’s mentoring program, which matches community volunteers with local Twenty-first Century Scholar students.

Michaela
Career goals: Teaching/nursing.
Favorite subject: P.E. and sometimes math.
Favorite book: Spiderwick.
Hobbies/Interests: Singing, volleyball.
Family: Mom, Kelly; sister, RaeAnne; grandma, Judy; grandpa, Marvin.
School: Mississinewa High School.

Nancy Abraham
Career: Retired teacher.
Favorite subject: Biology, Geography.
Favorite book: The Bible.
Hobbies/interests: Stained glass, shopping.
Family: Husband, daughter, son-in-law, grandbaby on the way.
School: B.S. Manchester College; Masters Ball State University

TO LEARN ABOUT THE MENTORING PROGRAM: Visit http://www.projectleadership.org/ or call Project Leadership at 651-0650.

Meet the Match: Sara Bates and Amelia

2009-01-22T13:27:00.000-05:00

Meet Amelia, a freshman at Oak Hill High School, and mentor Sara Bates who meet each week in Project Leadership’s mentoring program, which matches community volunteers with local Twenty-first Century Scholar students.

Amelia
Career goals: Band director
Favorite subject: Band.
Favorite book: The Outsiders.
Hobbies/Interests: Music, basketball, football.
Family: Kate Detamore, Harry Detamore.
School: Oak Hill High School.

Sara Bates
Career goals: Would love to own my own store.
Favorite subject: History.
Favorite book: Phantom of the Opera
Hobbies/interests: Reading and painting.
Family: Neal Bates, husband.
School: Oak Hill High School

TO LEARN ABOUT THE MENTORING PROGRAM: Visit http://www.projectleadership.org/ or call Project Leadership at 651-0650.

Meet the Match: Debbi Powell and Connie

2009-01-09T13:25:00.000-05:00

Meet Connie, a freshman at Mississinewa High School, and mentor Debbi Powell who meet each week in Project Leadership’s mentoring program, which matches community volunteers with local Twenty-first Century Scholar students.

Connie

Career goals: Pediatric nurse.
Favorite subject: Spanish, choir, English.
Favorite book: A Child Called It
Hobbies/Interests: boyfriend, music, soccer, dance, friends.
Family: Mom, Tammy Jones.
School: Mississinewa High School.

Debbi Powell
Career: Elementary teacher.
Favorite subject: Math, English.
Favorite book: Anything by James Patterson or Nicholas Sparks.
Hobbies/interests: Golf, reading, exercise.
Family: two daughters: Ashley Powell and Abby Merchant.
School: Illinois for BS and MS

TO LEARN ABOUT THE MENTORING PROGRAM: Visit http://www.projectleadership.org/ or call Project Leadership at 651-0650.

Meet the Match: Marty Harker and Devin

2009-01-02T13:21:00.000-05:00

Meet Devin, a freshman at Marion High School, and mentor Marty Harker who meet each week in Project Leadership’s mentoring program, which matches community volunteers with local Twenty-first Century Scholar students.

Devin

Career goals: To become a lawyer or famous artist (still dreaming)
Favorite subject: Algebra and choir (Innovations).
Favorite book: Mystery books.
Hobbies/Interests: Hanging out with friends, dancing, singing and drawing.
Family: Mother, Lewanna Davis; Jeswan Davis, brother; Dorothy and Walter Davis, grandparents.
School: Marion High School.

Marty Harker
Career: Attorney.
Favorite subject: French.
Favorite book: Anything by Vince Flynn or Daniel Silva.
Hobbies/interests: Golf, tennis, reading, working out.
Family: Dad, Arthur C. Harker; The Rev. Margaret G. Harker.
School: University of Cincinnati.

TO LEARN ABOUT THE MENTORING PROGRAM: Visit http://www.projectleadership.org/ or call Project Leadership at 651-0650.

Meet the Match: Barb Ihrke and Rebecca

2008-12-12T15:09:00.001-05:00

Meet Rebecca, a sophomore at Marion High School, and mentor Barbara Ihrke who meet each week in Project Leadership’s mentoring program, which matches community volunteers with local Twenty-first Century Scholar students.

Rebecca
Career goals: Teacher or a nurse.
Favorite subject: Spanish.
Favorite book: Chronicles of Narnia.
Hobbies/Interests: Hanging out with friends.
Family: Mom, Michelle Clark; Dad, William Ashley; Sisters, Abbey Clark, Stacey Clark,; Brothers, Daniel Clark, Doug Clark.
School: Marion High School.

Barbara Ihrke
Career: Nurse educator.
Favorite subject: Science, History.
Favorite book: There is No “I” in Church by K. Drury
Hobbies/interests: Reading, travel.
Family: Single, two cats.
School: Lived in Africa 11 Years, Nurse Educator at Indiana Wesleyan University.

TO LEARN ABOUT THE MENTORING PROGRAM: Visit http://www.projectleadership.org/ or call Project Leadership at 651-0650.

Meet the Match: Sonia Strevy and Shasta

2008-12-05T09:42:00.002-05:00

Meet Shasta, a freshman at Marion High School, and mentor Sonia Strevy who meet each week in Project Leadership’s mentoring program, which matches community volunteers with local Twenty-first Century Scholar students.

Shasta
Career goals: Pediatric nurse or ocean biologist
Favorite subject: Math.
Favorite book: Sisterhood of the Traveling a Pants.
Hobbies/Interests: Hanging with friends.
Family: Mom, Melissa Campbell; Stepdad, Scott Griffith; baby sister Daytona Griffith.
School: Marion High School.

Sonia Strevy
Career: Nursing
Favorite subject: Nursing, health.
Hobbies/interests: Reading and watching old movies.
Family: Husband, Alan; four daughters
School: Marion High School

TO LEARN ABOUT THE MENTORING PROGRAM: Visit http://www.projectleadership.org/ or call Project Leadership at 651-0650.

Meet the Match: Susan Losure and Kayla

2008-11-28T09:37:00.000-05:00

Meet Kayla, a sophomore at Mississinewa High School, and mentor Susan Losure who meet each week in Project Leadership’s mentoring program, which matches community volunteers with local Twenty-first Century Scholar students.

Kayla
Career goals: Pediatric nurse or music teacher
Favorite subject: Choir, English, nutrition and wellness.
Favorite book: Twilight.
Hobbies/Interests: Singing, watching movies, spending time with family.
Family: Dad, Dave; mom, Missy; sister, Brianna; brother, Justin.
School: Mississinewa High School.

Susan Losure
Career: Retired from V.A.
Favorite subject: History.
Favorite book: Bible.
Hobbies/interests: Crafts and reading.
Family: Husband, Alan; daughter, Lynn; son, Nathan; seven beautiful grandchildren.
School: Fairmount High School

TO LEARN ABOUT THE MENTORING PROGRAM: Visit http://www.projectleadership.org/ or call Project Leadership at 651-0650.

Meet the Match: Linda Cabe and Brittany

2008-11-21T09:35:00.000-05:00

Meet Brittany, a sophomore at Madison-Grant High School, and mentor Linda Cabe who meet each week in Project Leadership’s mentoring program, which matches community volunteers with local Twenty-first Century Scholar students.

Brittany
Career goals: Wal-mart
Favorite subject: Health.
Favorite book: Prep.
Hobbies/Interests: going to church, talking on the computer.
Family: Mom, Sharon; stepdad, Joe; brother, Jonathan; sister, Tanna;
School: Madison-Grant High School.

Linda Cabe
Career: Wife, mother, pastor, Family Services Representative at Needham-Storey, Wampner Funeral Services.
Favorite subject: Any Bible study classes.
Favorite book: Bible and biographies.
Hobbies/interests: Cooking, reading, visiting people.
Family: Husband, Jim; daughters, Shelly (Kevin) Renbarger and Kristi (Kevin) Scheer; son, Marc Cabe; one grandson and four granddaughters.

TO LEARN ABOUT THE MENTORING PROGRAM: Visit http://www.projectleadership.org/ or call Project Leadership at 651-0650.

Meet the Match: Josh Campbell and Austin

2008-11-14T09:33:00.001-05:00

Meet Austin, a freshman at Eastbrook High School, and mentor Josh Campbell who participate in Project Leadership’s mentoring program, which matches community volunteers with local Twenty-first Century Scholar students.

Austin
Career goals: Air Force.
Favorite subject: Math.
Favorite book: Speak.
Hobbies/Interests: Music, football.
Family: Father,, Bob Loftis; mother, Annie Loftis.
School: Eastbrook High School.

Josh Campbell
Career: Continue coaching and teaching; develop a community wide fitness program
Favorite subject: Weight training and conditioning.
Recent Reads: Bible; Facing Your Giants.
Hobbies/interests: Coaching, weightlifting, outdoor activities
Family: Father, William; mother, Teresa Campbell.
School: Ball State University; Indiana Wesleyan University.

TO LEARN ABOUT THE MENTORING PROGRAM: Visit http://www.projectleadership.org/ or call Project Leadership at 651-0650.

Meet the Match: Susan Smith and Mandy

2008-10-31T09:28:00.000-04:00

Meet Mandy, a freshman at Mississinewa High School, and mentor Susan Smith who meet each week in Project Leadership’s mentoring program, which matches community volunteers with local Twenty-first Century Scholar students.

Mandy
Career goals: veterinarian, doctor, teacher.
Favorite subject: English.
Favorite book: Kidnapped: The Abduction.
Hobbies/Interests: Volleyball.
Family: Dad, Tom; Mom, Charlotte; brother, Christopher; sister, Vanessa.
School: Mississinewa High School.

Susan Smith
Career Goals: to continue working with special needs.
Favorite subject: Math.
Favorite book: Bible.
Hobbies/interests: volleyball, Kentucky Wildcat basketball, Sudoku puzzles.
Family: Husband, Aaron; son, Sean Carl; daughters, Ashley and Kaitlyn Carl.
School: Mississinewa High School (1991), Ivy Tech (1993 and 2000).

TO LEARN ABOUT THE MENTORING PROGRAM: Visit http://www.projectleadership.org/ or call Project Leadership at 651-0650.

Meet the Match: Linda Owen and Kaitlyn

2008-10-23T14:04:00.002-04:00

Meet Kaitlyn, a sophomore at Mississinewa High School, and mentor Linda Owen who meet each week in Project Leadership’s mentoring program, which matches community volunteers with local Twenty-first Century Scholar students.

Kaitlyn
Career goals: To be a writer.
Favorite subject: Technology, English. Favorite book: Blood and Chocolate.
Hobbies/Interests: Choir, art, writing. Family: Dad, Tim O’Donnell; Mom, Christy O’Donnell; Brother, Ben O’Donnell.
School: Mississinewa High School.

Linda Owen
Career Goals: To run a bed and breakfast.
Favorite subject: Art, home economics.
Favorite book: Anything by Karen Kingsbury.
Hobbies/interests: Gardening, baking.
Family: Husband, David; Daughters, Leah and Alisha.
School: Graduated from Miami University.

TO LEARN ABOUT THE MENTORING PROGRAM: Visit www.projectleadership.org or call Project Leadership at 651-0650.

Meet t he Match: Danielle Keen and Jessica

2008-10-16T14:00:00.001-04:00

Meet Jessica, a freshman at Marion High School, and mentor Danielle Keen who participate in Project Leadership’s mentoring program, which matches community volunteers with local Twenty-first Century Scholar students.

Jessica

Career goals: Pediatric nurse.
Favorite subject: Language Arts.
Favorite book: Lock and Key.
Hobbies/Interests: Dancing and singing.
Family: Dad, Gary Bartrum; brother, Jerimiah; sisters, Sabrina and Catrina Cupps; Mom, Kathrine Addcock.
School: Marion High School.

Danielle Keen
Career: Leader in Healthcare
Favorite subject: History.
Recent Reads: Harry Potter.
Hobbies/interests: Horses.
School: University of Central Florida.

TO LEARN ABOUT THE MENTORING PROGRAM: Visit http://www.projectleadership.org/ or call Project Leadership at 651-0650.

Meet the Match: Michelle Morgan and Ericka

2008-10-09T13:56:00.000-04:00

Meet Ericka, a sophomore at Marion High School, and mentor Michelle Morgan who meet each week in Project Leadership’s mentoring program, which matches community volunteers with local Twenty-first Century Scholar students.

Ericka
Career goals: Music teacher.
Favorite subject: Choir, Art and History.
Favorite book: Harry Potter
Hobbies/Interests: Reading, choir and cooking.
Family: Mom, Terry Powell; Dad, Michael Powell; two brothers and one sister.
School: Marion High School.

Michelle Morgan
Career: Librarian at the Marion Public Library.
Favorite subject: History.
Favorite book: The Kite Runner.
Hobbies/interests: Swimming, walking my dogs.
Family: Husband, Mike; daughter, Lauren; son, Phillip; 3 grandsons.
School: Marion High School and Indiana Univeristy.

TO LEARN ABOUT THE MENTORING PROGRAM: Visit www.projectleadership.org or call Project Leadership at 651-0650.

Meet the Match: Mike Manning and Angelo

2008-10-03T13:52:00.000-04:00

Meet Angelo, a sophomore at Mississinewa High School, and mentor Mike Manning who participate in Project Leadership’s mentoring program, which matches community volunteers with local Twenty-first Century Scholar students.

Angelo
Career goals: History or Zoology Teacher.
Favorite subject: Geography and World History.
Favorite book: Of Mice and Men.
Hobbies/Interests: Watching and playing football, math.
Family: Mother, Tammy Yeomans; Father, Kyle Yeomans.
School: Mississinewa High School.

Mike Manning

Career: Christian Higher Education – Administrative Faculty at IWU
Favorite subject in high school: Journalism
Favorite book: I love reading auto-biographies and stories about successful athletes and incredible achievements – some recent favorites include: Into Thin Air; Running with the Buffalos; and It is not about the Bike.
Hobbies/interests: Running, cycling and motorsports
Family members: My wife and I have two daughters and son
School: Chandler High School, OK; Eastern Oklahoma State College; Sterling College, KS; Arkansas State University and I am currently enrolled in the Ed.D. program at IWU

TO LEARN ABOUT THE MENTORING PROGRAM: Visit www.projectleadership.org or call Project Leadership at 651-0650.

Meet the Match: Ginny Martin and Olivia

2008-09-18T13:49:00.000-04:00

Meet Olivia, a sophomore Marion High School, and mentor Ginny Martin who participate in Project Leadership’s mentoring program, which matches community volunteers with local Twenty-first Century Scholar students.

Olivia

Career goals: Photographer.
Favorite subject: photography, English.
Favorite book: Pictures of Hollis Woods, The Twilight Series.
Hobbies/Interests: photography, playing guitar, reading.
Family: Mom, Angie; sister, Megan; Dad, Dale; sister, Amber; brother, Brandon
School: Marion High School.

Ginny Martin
Career: Elementary and Special Education Teacher
Favorite subject: History.
Recent Reads: Twilight, Last Lecture, Water for Elephants, Eat-Pray-Love, Shack.
Hobbies/interests: Gardening, traveling, reading, bridge, cooking
Family: Husband, Henry; daughters, Julie and Sarah; sons-in-law, Shane and Justin; granddaughter Sydney.
School: University of Evansville, Masters from Indiana University.

TO LEARN ABOUT THE MENTORING PROGRAM: Visit www.projectleadership.org or call Project Leadership at 651-0650.

Meet the Match: Ellen Spitzer and Kelsy

2008-07-24T13:44:00.000-04:00

Meet Kelsy, a sophomore, at Marion High School, and mentor Ellen Spitzer who meet each week in Project Leadership’s mentoring program, which matches community volunteers with local Twenty-first Century Scholar students.

Kelsy
Career goals: Cosmetology, Veterinarian
Favorite subject: English, Choir.
Favorite book: She Said Yes, Child Called It.
Hobbies/Interests: Orchestra, Writing Poems.
Family: Mom, Sandy; Dad, Scott; brother, Scott Jr.; step Mom, Debbie; step brother, Chavis.
School: Marion High School.

Ellen Spitzer
Career goals: Retired Elementary School Teacher.
Favorite subject: Physics, History.
Favorite book: Alexandr Solzhenitsyn, The Gulag Archipelago and Jean Lee Latham, Carry on Mr. Bowditch.
Hobbies/interests: Working with young children, dancing, reading.
Family: Husband, Herb; four married children, twelve grandchildren.
School: Marian College in Indianapolis BA El Ed./ History; Ball State University, MA.

TO LEARN ABOUT THE MENTORING PROGRAM: Visit www.projectleadership.org or call Project Leadership at 651-0650.

Twenty-first Scholars Application Available Online

2008-07-22T09:56:00.001-04:00

Just in time for the 2008-2009 school year, the State Student Assistance Commision of Indiana has unveiled an online version of the Twenty-first Century Scholars application. Now 6th, 7th and 8th graders can log on to the internet to complete their application.

Please be aware that the current version of the application is not compatible with Firefox web browsers and Microsoft's Internet Explorer is reccomended.

You can find the new online application here:

http://www.in.gov/ssaci/2429.htm

Meet the Match: Harry Shepard and Monte

2008-07-17T13:40:00.001-04:00

Meet Monte, a sophomore at Marion High School, and mentor Harry Shepard who meet each week in Project Leadership’s mentoring program, which matches community volunteers with local Twenty-first Century Scholar students.

Monte

Career goals: Crime Scene Investigation.
Favorite subject: Biology.
Favorite book: Anything that teaches guitar.
Hobbies/Interests: Tae-kwon-do, guitar.
Family: Uncle, Josh Kemp; grandma, Roxanne Kemp; dad, Ma-Shawn Kemp; grandpa, Tom Moran; grandma, Peggy Moran; Uncle Jay.
School: Marion High School.

Harry Shepard
Career goals: Retired.
Favorite subject: Science, English.
Favorite book: The Agony and the Ecstasy by Irving Stone.
Hobbies/interests: guitar.
Family: Judy Shepard, wife.
School: Logan Chiropractic College.

TO LEARN ABOUT THE MENTORING PROGRAM: Visit www.projectleadership.org or call Project Leadership at 651-0650.