Several local organizations are working together to help Starke County residents build successful careers.
Members of the Starke County Career and College Success Coalition met Tuesday to share their plans for the coming months, according to member Shirley Fosler. “The Starke County Youth Club was there,” she says, “and they were talking about how they have homework help and tutoring help, so they can make sure that their students get their work done, so they can reach the goal of passing to the next grade level and graduating. They also have STEM activities, which is a big push now across the State of Indiana, which is science, technology, engineering, and math. That’s the way a lot of the career fields are going, and of course, they have career discussions, as they do different activities with the kids.”
For students thinking about going to college next year, many organizations are offering help with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Fosler says Ancilla College is once again planning FAFSA meetings around the local area, including one at Knox High School on October 4. North Judson-San Pierre High School will also hold a FAFSA night, and Knox United Methodist Church will have a FAFSA workshop for people who need access to computers.
Another big event coming up is the annual Manufacturing Day celebration, hosted by the Starke County Economic Development Foundation. This year, seventh graders and high school seniors from around Starke County will take part in the event at Knox Middle School on October 12. A job fair will also take place there October 11 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Fosler says a couple new organizations joined the coalition for the first time Tuesday. The Starke County Adult Learning Center offers free help to people who want to take the TASC, a replacement test for the GED. They also offer resources to those who simply want to improve their math or reading skills to further their careers. Meanwhile, Key Counseling highlighted their efforts to help teenagers and adults make better decisions, leading to better careers.
Fosler says the Starke County Career and College Success Coalition could still use some more help. “We’re always looking for more people to get involved and to do things in Starke County to promote higher education,” she says, “and to get better jobs and careers to better support their family and make a better life for everybody.”
She encourages anyone interested in helping out to call Ron Gifford with the Starke County Economic Development Foundation at 574-772-5627.
The Starke County Career and College Success Coalition’s next meeting will take place January 9 at 6:00 p.m. at the Starke County Economic Development Foundation office.
