August 02, 2022

VINCENNES, Ind. –  The Project ASPIREE (Achieving Success through Participation In Reaching Educational Excellence) program sponsored by Vincennes University has secured a renewal grant that will provide $328,413 this year to underrepresented students who have the potential to succeed in higher education.

Project ASPIREE identifies and assists individuals from income-eligible backgrounds or potential first-generation students. It is a federally funded TRIO Talent Search Program supported by the Department of Education. VU’s program is funded for a five-year cycle with annual renewals.

“I attended a campus visit and a leadership conference with Project ASPIREE, and I realized during the conference all of the people I have supporting me," 2021 Shoals High School graduate Brooke Dobson. "I was impacted and realized I have big dreams and leadership skills. I learned I can reach those. I would encourage everyone to participate in Project ASPIREE. What I learned will guide me to a great future.“ 

Project ASPIREE offers students ACT/SAT fee waivers, SAT/ACT prep, test registration assistance, college application fee waivers, assistance with filling out college applications, cultural/educational activities, general financial literacy, college exploration/campus visits, academic advising/course selection, scholarship/financial aid information/assistance with filling out FAFSA, career exploration, goal setting, educational and cultural field trips, notification of tutoring opportunities or tutoring, study skills, instruction in time management and organization, and personal counseling. Workshops are also offered to students and their families.

“Project ASPIREE prepared for me multiple opportunities to go visit colleges,” 2022 North Central High School graduate Jaden Hege said. “It has helped me to learn about my future and career. Project ASPIREE has given me knowledge for my future and knowledge for my college and my career.”

Middle school and high school students in Daviess, Martin, and Sullivan counties in Indiana and Lawrence County in Illinois interested in academic, personal, career, and financial counseling are encouraged to apply for Project ASPIREE.

Project ASPIREE currently serves nearly 600 students attending North Central Jr/Sr High School, Barr-Reeve Middle/High School, Dugger Union Junior/Senior High School, Shoals High School, Shoals Middle School, Loogootee Middle School, Loogootee High School, all in Indiana; and Lawrenceville High School and Parkview Junior High School in Illinois.

According to Project ASPIREE Director Kim Fields, “Project ASPIREE staff work together as a team to provide services to income-eligible and first-generation college students at our member middle and high schools. We are proud of the work we do assisting students and their families with exploring career and postsecondary opportunities related to career interests. We help them find ways of making their dreams come true.”

For more information or to apply, go to www.vinu.edu/project-aspiree.

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