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.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Young entrepreneurs inspire
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
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.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Community members discuss action steps
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
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
Friday, November 18, 2011
40 MARION STUDENTS IN NEED OF MENTOR
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
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
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.
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.
Friday, October 14, 2011
College Fair 2011
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
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
Friday, September 30, 2011
Advice from
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.”
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
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.
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.
Friday, September 16, 2011
UPCOMING COLLEGE VISIT
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!
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.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Splash Bash
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.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
It’s a back-to-school Splash Bash
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
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/
Friday, August 5, 2011
1-on-1 Guidance
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
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
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Students find college money at FAFSA labs
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.
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.
Friday, July 22, 2011
PL Page: Do YOU have what it takes to be a mentor?
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
“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
“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
Friday, July 8, 2011
PL Page: Leading & Succeeding!
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
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
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.
Friday, June 24, 2011
PL Page: Senior Night!
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!
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