TRIO Career Club helps MHS students prepare for life after high school
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Twice a month a group of Marshalltown High School students gets together for TRIO Career Club. The club is intended to prepare students to find their career paths after high school, whether that includes college or not.
Livvy Boeck, Outreach Coordinator for TRIO Educational Talent Search, organizes the club.
"We have professionals from the community come to speak to our students about their jobs and how they can get into the field," Boeck said.
At their most recent meeting Kristy Kelley of the Iowa Veterans Home told students how they could get involved in a certified health care apprenticeship. It would begin the summer before their junior year and last for two years, allowing students to get some of their college education completed.
Between speakers, Boeck instructed students to perform mock interviews with common interview questions regarding strengths, weaknesses and why they should be hired.
Next Scott Johannes, school resource specialist at MHS spoke about the choice to go to college.
"Our role in TRIO Club is this – to help you, come alongside you to help figure out what is best for you," Johannes said. "But what I believe is this – if college is where you want to go … do not let money stop you from going to college."
According to him, there are many options for paying for college. Students should look into scholarships and other ways to fund their education.
"Education, no matter what it is, can open up a ton of avenues for you guys," Johannes said.
He talked about how searching for a job can be challenging and you need to be confident in interviews.
"You need to be 100 percent positive that you can do the job," he said.
Iowa State University TRIO Educational Talent Search is a college preparatory program funded by the US Department of Education. The club has met in Marshalltown for two years with between 30 to 50 students attending. The program is especially geared toward students who are first-generation college-bound and meet specific income guidelines.
"My goal is for the club to serve as a resume builder for our students. I have assignments for them each meeting to complete that will help them to build the skills necessary for the workforce," Boeck said. "The club is a resource for them to find volunteer, apprenticeships, employer contacts, interview skills and leadership opportunities."
Marshalltown professionals who are interested in serving as meeting mentors or guest speakers can contact Boeck at livvyb@iastate.edu.
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Contact Anna Shearer at 641-753-6611 or ashearer@timesrepublican.com