TRiO Programs

Talent Search student is recognized for achievements! 

Gainesville — For Gainesville High School (GHS) senior Alex Huerta, 12 years of hard work in the Gainesville Independent School District (GISD) have  earned him numerous letters of acceptance from colleges, paving the way for him to accomplish his dream of becoming a civil engineer.

Letters of interest from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Columbia, Yale, the University of Texas at Austin, The University of Texas at Arlington, the University of Southern California, Vanderbilt and the University of Minnesota are just some of the schools of higher education that are interested in the multi-talented, dedicated student who began his tenure in the GISD at Edison Elementary.

Huerta received his letter of acceptance from MIT on March 14 and is waiting to hear if scholarship funds will be offered.

View the full article here. 

Article credit: Cathy Mounce, Gainesville Daily Registrar Staff Writer 

Stephen F. Austin State University (SFASU) Preview Day 2014

Talent Search Advisors and 30 students visited Stephen F. Austin State University on Saturday, February 22nd. Students traveled via charter bus to Nacogdoches and explored various components of the SFASU campus. Students were provided a campus tour, organizations and majors fair. Also, students were able to visit the freshman dormitory in order to get a true taste of college life.

Axe 'em jacks! 

TRiO Talent Search Goes to Washington

Gainesville ISD Talent Search advisor Lauren Burton travelled to Washington, DC to fight for TRiO programs in March. Burton and five UNT colleagues, along with TRiO representatives from around the country, visited and provided information to congressional offices, including that of the Honorable Mac Thornberry, Gainesville’s House representative, and Texas senator Ted Cruz.

 “I was so excited to be there,” says Burton. “Due to sequestration, our program is at risk of losing five percent of its federal funding. I went to ask our congresspersons to take action so this doesn’t happen.”

We are super proud of Ms. Lauren for working so hard for TRiO! #TRiOWorks

College Road Trip 2013

Students interested in attending schools in South Texas went on a whirlwind college tour in March. TS took 43 students to tour two major universities: Texas State University and the University of Texas at San Antonio. Students learned about the campuses and their admissions requirements through presentations and tours. Students also learned the history behind TRiO programs and just where the programs began. Do you know?

Cooke County Youth Leadership Camp 2013

TS co-hosted the Cook County Youth Leadership Camp, a week-long camp for students in Gainesville and the surrounding areas. The camp’s theme for this year was college exploration. Students recieved tours of North Central Texas College, Texas Christian University and the University of Texas at Arlington. On the last day of camp, students visited the Dallas World Aquarium and were surprised to see a plethora of exhibits that included not only fish, but also reptiles, spiders, monkeys, birds and bats. Lunch was held at the new Klyde Warren Park, an urban green space in downtown Dallas. Maria Vega, camp director, says the evaluations show the kids learned. “I asked them three things they learned. One said ‘I learned that more education equals more opportunities,’ and another said ‘college is fun.’ Another mentioned how Dr. Brasher spoke on how hard work will pay off. It looks like they grasp the purpose of the camp.”

Students Study S.T.E.M.

This year TRiO Talent Search referred 29 students to Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS). UBMS is a federally funded TRiO program with the goal of increasing the number of students who complete degrees and find employment in the science, technology, engineering and math fields Students are referred to the program by their TRiO Talent Seach advisor who feell they will benefit from the rigourous camp.

For four weeks, the students experienced college life while living in dorms on the University of North Texas campus and took classes in math, science and writing. The students also participated in a science fair and attended the Academic Bowl at the University of Texas at Arlington where they placed in every event.

Research shows that students who have applied themselves in rigorous courses are more likely to persist to degree attainment, so our strong partnership with UBMS is an important component of our retention strategy. Conner Kennedy, two time UBMS participant, says, "UBMS is a great opportunity for me. It allows me to network and explore science courses that are not offered at my high school." "Work Hard, Play Hard!" UBMS courses are rigorous; they aid students in retaining what they have learned over the school year and prepare students for higher level math and science courses when they return to school. Do you have what it takes?