Area high school students who participate in the TRiO/Educational Talent Search program at Arapahoe Community College got a free tour of some Colorado and New Mexico colleges and universities in July. ACC houses the federally funded TRiO program and serves as its granting institution.

Former TRiO Program Director Shannon Westermeier led nine students on a trip to visit other schools from July 7 through 9. The tour included Colorado State University at Pueblo, Pueblo Community College and the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque.

"We wanted to expose these students to colleges and universities both in state and out of state," Westermeier said, "so they can see the differences for themselves, understand what options might be available to them and learn what they should look for when they visit schools."

The trip was funded through the TRiO program. Students on the trip attend Sheridan, Englewood and John F. Kennedy high schools.

The Educational Talent Search serves students in grades six through 12 and provides academic, career and financial aid counseling to its participants and encourages them to graduate from high school and continue on to the postsecondary school of their choice. Students must be U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens, not more than 27 years of age and must attend a participating TRiO/Talent Search school. A preference is given to students whose family income does not exceed guidelines established by the federal government and whose natural or adoptive parents have not earned a four-year college or university degree.

For more information about the TRiO/Educational Talent Search Program, call 303.797.5987.