By MATT PIKE
North Central Missouri College has been awarded a $1.5 million federal grant which will allow the college to continue a program which helps low income and first generation students prepare for, enroll in, and succed in education
The grant will help fund the Trio Talent Search program, providing $300,000 annuall over fiver years to the program to help students. The Talent Search program identifies and assists students from disadvantaged backgrounds who have the potential to succeed in college. Through the renewed funding, NCMC will serve 600 students in the St. Joseph School District, including those attending Benton High School, Central High School, Bode Middle School, Lafayette Middle School, Spring Garden Middle School, and Truman Middle School.
The program provides students in grades six through 12 with college and career planning, financial literacy education, academic advising, tutoring, career exploration, study and test-taking skills, and STEM and artificial intelligence instruction. These services are designed to help students overcome barriers to postsecondary education and prepare them for success in high school, college, and beyond.
“Talent Search was thrilled to receive the refunding award notice. The team can’t wait to continue providing life-changing services to the youth in the St. Joe area,” Talent Search Director, Cindy Wells says in a news release. “This Talent Search grant has proven to be a game changer for so many disadvantaged students who would not otherwise have the tools to be able to reach their potential in education.”
“TRIO programs are a direct investment in students and their futures by providing educationally based experiences. We are proud to partner with the St. Joseph School District and the many administrators, counselors, faculty, and staff who work in conjunction with our Talent Search staff to serve participating students.” Dean of Instruction Mitch Holder adds.
In addition to helping current middle and high school students prepare for college, Talent Search encourages individuals who have not completed secondary or postsecondary education programs to enter, reenter, and complete their educational goals. Talent Search was established through the Higher Education Act of 1965 as part of the federal TRIO programs. Its mission is to increase the number of students from disadvantaged backgrounds who complete high school and enroll in and graduate from postsecondary education programs.
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