By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — The University of Maine at Presque Isle has been selected to receive over $200,000 to assist students interested in pursuing higher education.
Congressman Mike Michaud praised the U.S. Department of Education’s announcement that UMPI was selected for the first time to receive funding through the TRiO Talent Search Program. The Talent Search Program will identify and assist local students who may otherwise not have the opportunity to pursue higher education. UMPI will receive $230,000 for the first year, and it is anticipated that it will be a five-year program.
“I have always believed that every child should have the opportunity to receive a high quality education, regardless of their background or financial situation,” said Michaud. “Unfortunately, for many students a college education appears out of reach. I’m thrilled to see that this program will help students in Aroostook County accomplish their education goals. Programs like this truly make a difference in the lives of families and our economy as a whole.”
According to the Department of Education, the TRiO Talent Search Program provides academic, career and financial counseling to its participants and encourages them to graduate from high school and continue on to complete their postsecondary education.
The University’s TRiO Talent Search Project is designed to encourage school-aged participants to complete secondary school and undertake a program of postsecondary education, to facilitate application for financial assistance and to encourage entry or re-entry and completion of secondary and postsecondary education for those who have dropped out, by meeting the five mandatory outcome objectives crafted by the U.S. Department of Education.
“We are delighted to receive this new funding,” Darylen Cote, director of TRiO Pre-College Programs at UMPI, said. “It was a highly competitive process, and we are the only program in Maine to receive a new award.”
Cote said hundreds will benefit from the funding.
“The grant will enable us to assist 500 middle and high school students each year who have dreams and aspirations about going to college and working at careers they will enjoy. Aroostook County students and families will benefit from the services the program at UMPI will provide in concert with the partner schools. Helping students succeed is a team effort,” Cote said.
The academic year program centers on: tutoring, supplemental educational instruction including career exploration, college awareness, personal development, financial literacy and academic success, as well as counseling and advising, and continuous needs assessment. Students have a minimum of monthly contact with Talent Search staff, either individually or in small groups. College visits, assistance with college and financial aid applications, college entrance exam preparation and an online mentoring initiative with current college students and project participants, along with other opportunities to explore college majors and careers, will also be provided. Workshops and counseling with families of participants complete the project services.
The project establishes collaborative relationships among staff, school personnel and parents that are the foundation for its success. The project has secured commitments from the 12 target schools, the surrounding community and the University campus, including space and resources to be provided annually. The project will conduct evaluations to ensure its objectives are attainable. The proposed budget provides a high level of service to the participants in a cost-effective manner to ensure that the participants successfully enroll and persist in a program of postsecondary education, according to Cote.
“The University of Maine at Presque Isle is pleased to have been awarded Talent Search funding from the U.S. Department of Education,” UMPI President Don Zillman said. “We recognize that students who are economically disadvantaged, or the first in their families to earn postsecondary degrees, face unique challenges.”
Zillman said the program opens doors to future success for participants.
“The preparation that this program provides will help remove barriers to success for these students and make college opportunities more accessible. With both Talent Search and Upward Bound Pre-College programs now available here, more Aroostook County students will be positioned for careers of the future, which will ultimately benefit the Aroostook County economy,” said Zillman.
