Postsecondary Education Preparatory Programs
Talent Search
Southeastern Oklahoma State University is the sponsoring institution for the United States Department of Education funded Talent Search Program. Area junior and senior high school students receive assistance each year from guidance specialists who serve those students interested in continuing or reentering the educational process.
Services include career counseling, ACT and/or SAT preparation and registration assistance, information on colleges and technical schools, help with identifying and applying for adequate financial aid, assistance in meeting admission requirements, financial literacy, and individual and group counseling with student and parent. These services are available to public schools, educationally oriented groups, and individual students at no expense to those who meet the economic and academic guidelines of the funding agency.
Additional information may be obtained from the Director, Chance Owen: phone (580) 745-2929; email cowen@se.edu.
Educational Opportunity Center (EOC)
The Southeastern Educational Opportunity Center is funded through the United States Department of Education and is one of the programs identified as “TRIO” programs. The EOC Program was first funded at Southeastern in September of 1991. The purpose of the program is to promote postsecondary education by providing information and counseling on educational and career opportunities and available financial aid options to adults and eligible high school seniors in twelve counties.
The EOC staff work out of Durant, Ardmore, Idabel, McAlester, and Denison, TX offices, and assist individuals who wish to further their education by helping them select and apply to schools suited to their abilities and career interests. They also provide assistance with identifying grants, scholarships, and other types of aid to help pay for educational expenses and help with the completion of admissions and financial aid applications. Financial literacy counseling, tutoring, and skill-building services are also provided.
Additional information may be obtained from the director, Ms. Teriki Barnes: phone (580) 745-2268; cell (580) 898-2721; e-mail tbarnes@se.edu or by visiting se.edu/eoc.
Upward Bound
The goal of the Upward Bound program is to encourage more students to pursue postsecondary education. Students qualify for program assistance based on economic and/or first-generation educational status. Southeastern is fortunate to have four Upward Bound projects.
Upward Bound is designated to serve high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors. During each summer, a six-week education enrichment program is conducted on the Southeastern campus. The program focuses on student needs in the academic, social, and developmental areas. Academic year follow-ups include activities designed to assist students in their academic studies and help keep students motivated and working toward their educational goals. Upward Bound staff visit students weekly at the students’ high schools. The four Upward Bound Programs serve approximately 290 students each year.
| Program | Students Served | Director | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE Upward Bound | 110 | Corey Hammel | (580) 745-2422, chammel@se.edu |
| McCurtain County | 60 | Kristinia Hicks | (580) 376-5228, kfischer@se.edu |
| Texoma Upward Bound | 60 | Jennifer Davis | (580) 745-2930, jdavis@se.edu |
| Carter-Love Upward Bound | 60 | Kimberly Pena | (580) 319-0361, kfraire@se.edu |
Upward Bound Math/Science Center
The SE Upward Bound Math/Science Program is a federal TRIO program funded through the U.S. Department of Education for motivated high school freshmen and sophomores with an interest in pursuing careers in math and science. Students who meet federal eligibility guidelines are provided with the opportunity to enhance their education and prepare for college and, ultimately, a career in math or science through a simulated summer college-going experience.
The academic year program provides career and academic counseling, tutoring, ACT/SAT preparation, financial aid workshops, campus tours, and Saturday sessions designed to help prepare students for college instruction in STEM fields. Eligible students are selected from 18 target area schools in Atoka, Bryan, Choctaw, Marshall, and Pushmataha counties.
Additional information may be obtained from the program director, Ms. Teriki Barnes, at (580) 745-2721 or tbarnes@se.edu.