January 5, 2004

New Boise State Program To Help Youth Visualize Their Futures

The Selland College of Applied Technology at Boise State University will offer a new program beginning in the summer of 2004 to help high school youths pinpoint their talents and interests and create an educational plan and career course. The Preparing Our Neighborhood Youth (PONY) program is funded by Idaho State Tech Prep and will be open to 20 students on June 15-17. Professional educational advisers and resident assistants will stay in student dorms with the students and university faculty will teach units in computers and technology. Students and staff will spend their days illuminating talents, identifying learning styles and uncovering character traits. University professionals will mentor the students, teaching them ways to employ their talents in their future careers, families and community involvement. The PONY program’s initial goals are to promote high school graduation, educate students about professional-technical careers and to increase Tech Prep enrollment in local schools. Students will exit the PONY program with written visions and plans for their futures. The Selland College will distribute applications and referral forms to Treasure Valley high schools. The 20 participants will be chosen by a selection committee made up of Selland College faculty and staff and professionals from community service organizations in the area. The committee will consider students who have a restricted vision of the future, would be first-generation college students, have low-income or limited resources and lack adequate computer skills. For more information, call Sondra Johnson at 426-2528 or Olga Salinas at 426-1784 in the College of Applied Technology Student Services office. -30- Contact Sondra Johnson College of Applied Technology 426-2528 Olga Salinas College of Applied Technology 426-1784 Media Contact Sherry Squires communications and marketing 426-1563