February 27, 2004

Contact: Rebecca Dukstein (913) 342-9823, or Vincent Edwards (785) 864-3415.

KU to help host TRIO College and Career Day for disadvantaged students

LAWRENCE -- The University of Kansas TRIO programs will team with Avila University and University of Missouri-Kansas City at the Seventh Annual College and Career Day from 9:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. March 6 on the Avila campus in Kansas City, Mo.

The Pre-College TRIO Programs consist of federally funded Educational Talent Search, Math & Science Center and Upward Bound, all three for college-prep assistance designed to help disadvantaged middle school and high school students pursue post-secondary education goals. Activities scheduled March 6 are for area students already enrolled in the program, including students from Douglas, Shawnee and Wyandotte Counties in Kansas and Jackson County in Missouri.

Former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Danan Hughes, Lee's Summit, Mo., now a US Bank mortgage banker, will be the keynote speaker. Also, area professionals will talk about their careers to students. In addition, college admission representatives from about 15 colleges and universities in Kansas, Missouri and Texas will speak and be available for question-and-answer sessions with TRIO students.

New this year will be a Real Life Fair intended to provide students with a realistic outlook on how to manage money, job and families.

Area professionals interested in volunteering to share work-experience information at the college and career fair can contact KU TRIO staff members Rebecca Dukstein at (913) 342-9823 or Vincent Edwards at (785) 864-3415, who also can answer general questions about the TRIO program eligibility and opportunities.