3rd ANNUAL “KIDS ON CAMPUS” HELD FOR LOCAL STUDENTS

More than 70 students from Pickaway County attended the third annual Kids on Campus summer enrichment program this month on the campus of Ohio Christian University.The program, geared toward children age 8 to 11, focuses not only on improving math and science skills but giving students a taste of higher education at an early age, according to Ula Jean Metzler, county commissioner and organizer of the Kids on Campus program.

“I was thrilled this year,” she said. “This is the kind of thing we have to keep doing to improve our academics in Pickaway County.”The group is the largest number hosted by Kids on Campus in its three-year history, she said, and was a resounding success with students who participated in the hands-on lessons and activities.“The evaluations from the kids were outstanding,” Metzler said. “We asked things like if they liked the classes, if they had fun learning and most importantly if they would recommend it to a friend. That’s a key question, and when they can circle yes, that’s pretty impressive.”

This year’s program, “Wacky Olympics,” allowed participants to create two- and three-dimensional figures, build electrical circuits and produce electricity as part of the hands-on experience. Linda Diltz, retired Westfall math teacher, and Yolanda Hurtt, math and science teacher at Court Street Intermediate School, served as instructors for the week-long event. High school students Katie Howard and Samantha Johnson also assisted with the program, Metzler said.

Kids on Campus is coordinated by Metzler, the Pickaway Higher Education Learning Partners (HELPS) and the Ohio Christian University. Funding for the program is provided through student tuition and an annual grant from PPG Industries.

Metzler said higher education is a statistic that must be improved in Pickaway County, where 22.8 percent of residents over age 25 do not have a high school diploma and only 11.4 percent of residents have achieved a bachelors’ degree or higher beyond high school, according to statistics from the Ohio Department of Development.  “Education is something we’ve just got to keep in the forefront,” Metzler said. “If we’re going to raise our higher education level for Pickaway County, we need to continue with strong programs like this, and I’m really looking forward to next year.”

By TRISH BENNETT
STAFF WRITER
Published: Saturday, June 27, 2009 12:03 AM EDT
 Circleville Herald
Yes, I would like to make a tax deductible
contribution to Pickaway HELPS!
Click to download the fundraising cover letter and brochure.



Spring ACT workshops help local students prepare for upcoming college entrance tests.

NEED SOME CASH FOR COLLEGE?

Plan to attend the
FAFSA Day Workshop
February 13, 2010
 Download Flyer

ACT Prep Workshop
Saturday, March 27th, 2010
Download Flyer

FREE ACT Parent Workshop
Wednesday, March 10th, 2010
6:00 PM
 Download Flyer

Pickaway HELPS Awarded $20,000 to Prepare Local Kids for College

Pickaway HELPS (Higher Education Learning Partners for Students) was recently awarded a $20,000 grant from the Ohio College Access Network as part of the competitive Invest in Success process. One of 14 college access programs across Ohio awarded grants totaling $300,000, Pickaway HELPS’ mission is to assist students and families of Pickaway County in accessing education opportunities beyond high school. Many students served by this program are low income students or would be the first in their family to attend college.

In collaboration with local schools and community partners, Pickaway HELPS provides hands-on assistance and resources for career and college choices, including financial aid. In addition to one-on-one services, other activities include ACT workshops, college visits, financial aid workshops, classroom presentations, and Kids on Campus summer enrichment camp.

The Invest in Success grant has enabled Pickaway HELPS to leverage at least $40,000 in additional local funding and in-kind services. “Strong support from our schools and community partners make it possible to continue our work to help students pursue education beyond high school. It’s a real collaborative effort,” said Christy Mills, executive director of Pickaway HELPS.

Pickaway HELPS was established in 2006 by the Pickaway County Board of Commissioners, working with Pickaway County Job and Family Services. Led by county commissioner Ula Jean Metzler, Pickaway HELPS is one of 36 college access programs in Ohio that serve nearly 300 school districts in 46 counties, impacting over 175,000 students annually. “By helping more people complete education beyond high school, we are strengthening the workforce and economic stability of our community,” said Metzler. “This improves the quality of life for all residents of Pickaway County."

Pickaway H.E.L.P.S. is a collaborative higher education initiative between the Pickaway County Board of Commissioners, Pickaway County Job and Family Services and OCAN - Ohio College Access Network.

Pickaway HELPS promotes higher education opportunities among students and families of Pickaway County. Services include help with career planning and choices, assistance with financial aid for education and training, and any related support needed to remove barriers to higher education.


Who We Serve

● Teens wondering what to do after high school
● Parents and students with questions about the college  process and   financial aid
● Adults changing careers or going back to school
● Any resident of Pickaway County, including low income and first generation college students, who would like “HELP” with career choices

We can HELP with Answers to Common Questions

  • What are my plans for the future?

  • Why should I spend more time in school?

  • What are my interests?

  • What careers match my interests?

  • What type of school is best for me?   
    (Trade school, technical school, 2-year  community college, 4-year college)

  • How much money will I need?

  • What types of financial aid are there?        

  • Who can help me?

  • WHERE DO I START ???

Arrangements can be made to meet with students during school hours, after school hours, or by appointment at the convenience of families and students.

Christy Mills, Coordinator
Phone: (740) 474-5383
 highered@pickawayboc.org

Pickaway H.E.L.P.S. | Christy Mills, Executive Director | Circleville | Ohio | 43113 | 740-474-5383 | FAX 740-474-5383 | highered@pickaway.org