Recently, the CCC Educational Talent Search (ETS) program held it's New Student &
Recruitment Orientation. The event introduced potential program participants to all
things ETS and gave current participants a snapshot of what's to come in the 2022-2023
academic year.
ETS is a federally-funded pre-college program that assists students who meet federal income guidelines and those who may be the first in their families to attend college. The program's design and purpose are to provide the skills and motivation necessary for students in grades 8-12 to complete a secondary education program and move on to enter and complete a college program.
Kimberly Bee, Educational Talent Search director, is thrilled to welcome new and returning program participants as she knows how impactful ETS has been in the lives of past students.
"We wanted to inform our new enrollees and our current students about our plans for the year. ETS is so important in the Mississippi Delta because of the limited resources that we have (in the area). With this program, we're able to expose our students to what's outside of the Delta," said Bee.
Program participants receive various free services and participate in scholastic, cultural, and enrichment activities. The benefits of ETS are offered through the guidance offices at Clarksdale High, Coahoma County Jr./Senior High, J.W. Stampley, and W. A. Higgins Middle Schools.
Bee, who benefitted from participating in a similar program in her youth, knows that ETS is life-changing and finds pleasure in seeing young minds grow and develop.
“I just love to see students be successful, being able to expose them to not only educational things, but culture and enrichment activities,” Bee compassionately shared. “Being able to be a one-on-one mentor to them, I love to help them be successful and help them through their middle school, high school, and all the way through college (experiences)."
The program provides academic, career, and financial counseling to its participants and encourages them to graduate from high school and continue on to and complete their postsecondary education. This main point is the most rewarding for Bee, who loves to see the full circle growth of her students.
“It brings me joy to see them come back and give to their community,” said Bee. “I feel like we are successful (in what we are doing). To see our students come through the program and be successful means the world to me.”
She shared that the program has big plans to continue the transformative work that they endeavor to do daily. Bee noted that a hands-on entrepreneurial component was on display for attendees of the event to participate in, giving the group a preview of what’s to come during the program year.
“We do entrepreneurship too! We’re making candles and soaps. We are trying to teach the students that they can start their own business,” Bee touted. “So, that is one of the activities that we did this summer, and we wanted our parents to come out and experience it as well.”
Bee encourages interested students and parents to apply and experience what ETS has to offer. She emphasized that it’s not too late to sign up and hopes to see new faces as the group embarks on another exciting year of learning and growth.
To learn more about ETS online, visit www.coahomacc.edu/talent-search