Program teaches students they can

Darla Slipke

Sara Barnett-Flores knew she wanted to go to college, but as the first generation in her family to do so, she didn’t know where to begin.

She sought help from Educational Talent Search, a program designed to help potential first-generation college students and low-income students to excel academically and prepare for the future by teaching valuable learning tools and skills. Now, as director for the program at Oklahoma State University, Barnett-Flores is giving back to help others succeed.

Educational Talent Search is a federally-funded program designed to help students graduate from high school and find a career path that is well-suited for them. Talent Search coordinators visit schools each month and host workshops for participating students that are designed to promote life skills training, goal setting, career exploration, college preparation and more.

During the summer, students take field trips to different sites with learning opportunities. On Tuesday, students who used their planner on a regular basis took a trip to the Science Museum of Oklahoma.

Barnett-Flores said they try to make activities fun to enhance students’ learning experiences. Many of their activities are modeled after popular game shows.

One time the group was playing a “Family Feud” game. One student enjoyed the activity so much, he didn’t realize he was learning, Barnett-Flores said.

“When the bell rang, the student said, ‘Man, that was fun, and we didn’t even have to learn anything,’” she said.

Coordinator Jason Woods said they help students develop skills they will need to succeed in life, like time management and budgeting, but they also help students to explore possibilities they may not have considered and to map out and achieve their goals.

“Sometimes it’s just going to college at all,” he said. “For others it’s a particular major or career field.”

The program has funding to help 600 students in six Oklahoma school districts — Carney, Cleveland, Davenport, Ponca City, Ripley and Yale.

About 550 students are enrolled for the upcoming academic year, and Barnett-Flores said students can sign up at any time.

Steven Oliver, a coordinator for the program, was also involved with the program as a high school student.

He said he knew first-hand what little motivation for higher education some students feel who grow up in small towns.

He said he most enjoys moments when students connect with what they are learning.

After one workshop, a student who was usually a clown gave a historical anecdote and started rattling on about history.

Moments like those are what make his job so rewarding, Oliver said.

Barnett-Flores said she enjoys seeing changes in students as they progress through the program. Many start not knowing what they want to do or not having an interest in higher education, but by the time they graduate, many are excited for their futures, she said.

She said she uses her own experiences as an example when she talks to students about potential job satisfaction.