$1.2 Million Grant Awarded to Rose State College Published August 25, 2016 by Ali Sexton

Talent Search Grant to Last Five Years

Midwest City, Okla. – Rose State College has been awarded a five-year, $1.2 million grant to identify and assist high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds to succeed in higher education. The Talent Search program is part of the U.S. Department of Education’s TRIO grant with the goal to increase the number of youth who complete high school and go on to complete a college degree.

Rose State’s Talent Search office will focus on supporting 500 Mid-Del area high school students by providing academic, financial, career, or personal counseling as well as career exploration, tutorial services, and general information on postsecondary education. Students who take advantage of the program will have opportunities to visit college campuses, participate in mentoring programs and receive assistance with preparing for college entrance exams. Student’s families will benefit as well as the Talent Search team will put on workshops to include them in the college process.

Amber Mitchell, Director of Student Support Services at Rose State College, is a veteran when it comes to managing federally funded grant programs like Talent Search.  She was Coordinator of the McNair Scholars program at the University of Central Oklahoma before coming to Rose State in 2010 to fill her current position.  Mitchell said, “One of the strengths of Rose State College is our commitment to student success. This grant will allow us to reach out into the community and expand that support by ensuring students in the target area are informed and well-prepared for college both financially and academically.” She added, “I’m excited about the expansion of the TRIO programs on campus and look forward to collaborating with the Talent Search Program.”

Mitchell hopes the grant program will strengthen the community and further demonstrate Rose State College’s commitment to providing equal access to higher education. The Talent Search program, which begins September 1, will provide these students to much-needed resources and higher education opportunities.