TRIO Talent Search Day set for Dec. 9 at Ouachita
December 07, 2011 - Jordan Campbell
Ouachita Baptist University’s TRIO Program will host an Educational Talent Search
Day Dec. 9 in Jones Performing Arts Center from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
"Talent Search Day is an opportunity to visit a college campus and also gain information
on the importance of planning and achieving educational and career goals," said Reo
Cummings, assistant director and education advisor for Talent Search. "It will show
students the importance of completing a post-secondary program and choosing a career
which offers stability."
The Talent Search program identifies and assists individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds
who have the potential to succeed in higher education. Talent Search also serves high
school dropouts by encouraging them to reenter the educational system and complete
their education, according to their website. The Talent Search Day is available for
students, grades six through 12.
"Our theme this year for our program is Educational Talent Search: Sports Edition,"
Cummings said. "On Talent Search Day, students will begin with a welcome session in
JPAC with the Ouachita drum line and then have the opportunity to eat lunch in the
Ouachita Commons. Afterwards, the students will see a live exhibition wrestling match
by the Ouachita wrestling team."
The speakers for Talent Search Day this year will be Wanda Harris, NCAA Division-I
basketball referee; Dennis Nutt, OBU head men’s basketball coach; and Paul Vaughn,
OBU head athletic trainer. They will discuss the various careers and opportunities
that athletics can provide.
"Participating Talent Search students come from eight different school districts from
the southwest region of the state," Cummings said. "Students must apply to participate
in the Talent Search program, and about 70 percent of those admitted must be both
below a certain income level and potential first-generation college students. The
other 30 percent must exhibit some other need."
In addition to counseling, participants receive information about college admissions
requirements, scholarships and various student financial aid programs. This early
intervention program helps young people to better understand their educational opportunities
and options, according to the website.
For more information, visit www.obu.edu/specialprograms/talent-search/ or contact Reo Cummings at [email protected] or (870) 245-5175.
By Jordan Campbell
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