January 27, 2023

VINCENNES, Ind. – Project Achieving Success through Participation in Reaching Educational Excellence (ASPIREE), sponsored by Vincennes University, has added several new schools to its federally funded grant program.

Project ASPIREE is adding underrepresented students from Washington Catholic Middle School, Washington Catholic High School, and North Daviess Jr/Sr High School who have the potential to succeed in higher education.

The program identifies and assists individuals from income-eligible backgrounds or potential first-generation students, and it is free for students, parents, and participating schools. It is a federally-funded TRIO Talent Search Program supported by the Department of Education. Middle school and high school students in Daviess, Martin, and Sullivan counties are encouraged to apply for Project ASPIREE.

“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. I would be lost on the steps to become a lawyer or dentist. Project ASPIREE has given me knowledge for my future and knowledge for my college and my career.”

Project ASPIREE offers students ACT/SAT waivers, SAT/ACT prep, test registration assistance, college application fee waivers, assistance with filling out college applications, cultural and educational field trips, general financial literacy, college and career exploration, campus visits, academic advising/course selection, scholarship and financial aid information, guidance in filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), tutoring, personal counseling, and help with goal setting, study skills, time management, organization. Workshops are also offered to students and their families.

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.”

Project ASPIREE is currently funded to serve nearly 600 students at numerous schools, including 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, and Southwest Detention Center in Indiana.

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

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