TRiO: Educational Talent Search Updates
posted February 5, 2025
Educational Talent Search is a TRiO program that serves over 500 6th-12th grade students in the Ottumwa Community School District and Cardinal Community School District. Students in our program receive added services and support to help them reach their highest potential and set them up for success in college. All activities, events, and trips come at no cost to any of our students. You can get more information on our IHCC ETS Facebook page.
Cardinal High School
Cardinal High School juniors and seniors had the opportunity to visit the University of Iowa and Grand View University, allowing them a firsthand look at campus life, academic programs, and the resources available to support their educational journeys. Additionally, seniors participated in a guided session to craft polished essays ready for scholarship submission. Such workshops are crucial in guiding students through the scholarship application process, enhancing their chances of securing financial aid for college. At this time our seniors are focusing on completing FAFSA applications, applying for scholarships, and submitting college applications. Many of our program’s senior participants benefit from waived college application fees and deferred college acceptance fees, removing financial barriers and providing equitable opportunities for all students.
Cardinal High School ETS students are offered workshops for 9th-12th grades. Topics of these workshops include the benefits of a rigorous curriculum, strategies for success in the classroom, and information about various degree programs and types of colleges. Additionally, Iowa Workforce presented a session on practical skills for future success. Students learned how to write professional résumés, develop essential soft skills for the workforce as well as how to apply these skills to scholarship and college applications. Recent Activities: Students enjoyed a festive outing in December to see the IHCC production of "A Christmas Carol." This engaging experience combined cultural enrichment with fun, providing students with a memorable activity during the holiday season. Upcoming college visits for all H.S. levels, include trips to DMACC and the IHCC Centerville campus, ensuring students gain exposure to a variety of post-secondary options.
Cardinal Middle School
Cardinal Middle School ETS students started off this year with an exciting and educational start to the year! A trip to Papo’s Pumpkin Patch is always a fun way to enjoy seasonal activities. Students participated in this career & cultural event where they learned firsthand what it takes to start, own and operate your own business. They got information on the financial basics to start a business, ideas on marketing a business & what type of classes would be beneficial to take to help you in becoming a business owner & participated in the inner workings of the business & better understand the time commitment that comes with being a business owner. This experience was intended to spark their creativity & provide valuable insights into the skills needed for business ownership—like leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork. Their visit to IHCC North Campus in November was an excellent opportunity to explore career paths in piloting, aviation maintenance, CDL (Commercial Driver’s License), and criminal justice. Engaging in both real and virtual activities for these programs provided them with hands-on insights and inspiration for the future.
Recent Activities: Students enjoyed a festive outing in December to see the IHCC production of A Christmas Carol. This engaging experience combined cultural enrichment with fun, providing students with a memorable activity during the holiday season.
Upcoming events & workshops will include the benefits of a rigorous curriculum in H.S., strengthening study habits, setting goals, and exploring strategies to excel academically. We will also talk about important steps toward building a meaningful career. Students will work on personal vision boards where they can identify their interests, skills, and aspirations as they begin thinking about what their future careers could look like. From engineering and healthcare to the arts and technology, they will look at the endless possibilities for their paths forward. Students will also do research on what it takes to achieve their career goals, whether it’s earning a college degree, completing technical training, or gaining hands-on experience. By learning about these pathways now, our students are taking the first steps toward their bright futures.
If interested in the program, you can contact Kim Schwartz or apply online today!
Kim Schwartz
(641-680-5431 (work cell phone)
kim.schwartz@indianhills.edu
kim.schwartz@cardinalcomet.com
