Academic Readiness

Center for Academic Readiness
Talent Search	Upward Bound
What we are Staff What we do
Center for Academic Readiness at Fort Lewis College includes: Two federally funded TRIO programs that serve Colorado students and their families living in Cortez, Durango, Ignacio, Mancos and Pagosa Springs 1. Upward Bound for high school students only and 2. Talent Search for 6th through 12th grades as well as for out of school adults
Center for Academic Readiness Staff
	Marianne Hardy Director (970) 247-7387 gurule_m@fortlewis.edu Marianne is the director of the Upward Bound and Talent Search Programs. She is a first-generation college student and a Fort Lewis College graduate. Marianne loves hiking, camping and spending time with her daughter, Morgan, and husband, Scott. Message from the Director: We are here to explore with you the kind of life you want to live following graduation or the GED. Is college or vocational training in your future? Will a 2-year or 4-year college degree meet your career goals? What will it cost you and where will you find the money you need? Maybe a college degree doesn't fit your style but you want to learn a job skill or trade. The advisors at the Center for Academic Readiness are here to work with you as you figure this all out. I am excited to introduce you to the staff at the Center. They are waiting to offer you personal, one-on-one, guidance and support through this complicated and sometimes frustrating process. - - Marianne Hardy, Director of the Center for Academic Readiness
	Corri Vigil Assistant Director (970) 247-7387 vigil_c@fortlewis.edu Corri is a Colorado native and a first- generation Fort Lewis College alumni. She began working at the Center for Academic Readiness as a Talent Search advisor in 1993 and became a Upward Bound advisor in 2000. She is currently the assistant director of these two programs. She loves living in the country.
	Kim Angel Administrative Assistant (970) 247-7387 angel_k@fortlewis.edu Kim is a first-generation student who is currently working on a bachelor's degree in accounting. Prior to the Center for Academic Readiness, she worked in the Financial Aid Office for seven years and has served as the administrative assistant for Talent Search and Upward Bound for four years. She enjoys spending time with her husband and their new baby girl.
	Wendy Allsbrook Javier Talent Search Advisor Durango Schools (970) 382-6965 javier_w@fortlewis.edu Wendy has a bachelor of arts degree in English and has taught in the outdoor classrooms of Savage Gulch, Tennessee and Yosemite National Park. In 1999 she moved to Fairbanks, Alaska and completed her master's degree in creative writing. She and her husband recently moved to Durango from Alaska, where they spent six years mountaineering, ice climbing and loving the contrast of the midnight sun and northern lights.
	Nicole Mosher Talent Search Advisor Cortez & Mancos Schools (970) 247-7097 mosher2_n@fortlewis.edu Nicole is a Fort Lewis College graduate with a double major in Spanish and sociology. For the past year and a half she worked as as admission counselor for multicultural recruitment here at Fort Lewis College. This fall she began work at the Center for Academic Readiness as a Talent Search advisor. She is dedicated to helping our students achieve their academic, career and personal goals. Nicole is fluent in Spanish and says,"I love to help people and I look forward to helping you with your post-secondary goals!"
	Sarah Causey St. John Talent Search Advisor Ignacio & Pagosa Schools (970) 247-7413 stjohn_s@fortlewis.edu Sarah is a first-generation college student and Talent Search advisor. She works in the Pagosa Springs and Ignacio school districts. She is currently working on earning a master's degree in school counseling. She is active in community theatre, loves the outdoors and has a dog named Roo.
	Brian Francis Upward Bound Advisor Cortez, Durango, Ignacio & Pagosa Springs Schools (970) 247-7618 francis_b@fortlewis.edu Brian is a first-generation college graduate and the Upward Bound coordinator. He enjoys working with young people because he remembers himself at that age and in that living situation, so he can identify with them. They also inspire him to achieve his future career and school goals.
What does the Center for Academic Readiness do? We work with students and adults to help them: 1. Remain in school until they complete a high school diploma or GED 2. Enter the college or vocational school of their choice with the academic skills and financial resources they need to succeed 3. Move on with their careers *How do I qualify to get into Talent Search or Upward Bound?* · You must be income eligible and/or · First-generation (neither parent has a four-year college degree) · You must have the desire and commitment to seek college or vocational training after high school graduation or the successful completion of the GED. Call: 970/247-7387 for an application or answers to your questions. *Workshops and activities to help you achieve your goals:* · Academic goal-setting and course advising · Study skill workshops · Career exploration workshops and field trips · Tutoring · College and vocational school visits · ACT test preparation · Financial aid assistance · Finding and completing college and vocational school applications Special Events and Activities for high school and middle school students: · Upward Bound students attend a six-week summer residential academy on the Fort Lewis College campus. · Talent Search summer activities include a summer art program sponsored by the Center for Southwest Studies. Sophomores and Juniors are eligible for a week-long, out-of-state tour of colleges, museums, and other cultural activities. We have visited Los Angeles, San Diego, Phoenix, Tucson, and Washington D.C. · Middle School Talent Search students can also participate in a multi-day river trip that focuses on leadership skills and expanding student knowledge of science. Talent Search 8th and 12th Graders are invited to a Graduation Celebration at which 2 outstanding students each receive a new computer. *Scholarships available to Fort Lewis College Talent Search and Upward Bound students only:* · $2,500 scholarship for the Bridge Scholars Program that includes tuition, fees, room, board, books and supplies for a five-week summer session at Fort Lewis College. · $10,000 Partnership Award to attend Colorado State University (over four years) For more information about these competitive scholarships and the Center for Academic Readiness call us at 970/247-7387.