Lake Land College TRIO Destination College Program Empowers Students with Time Management Skills

In an educational initiative designed to equip young students with essential life skills, the Lake Land College TRIO Destination College program recently wrapped up a series of engaging time management workshops. Held throughout November, these workshops targeted middle and high school students across 18 local schools, reaching an impressive total of around 200 participants.

Delivered by TRIO Destination College Outreach Advisors Tara Schaljo and Codi Julius, these workshops went beyond mere instruction, incorporating hands-on activities that challenged students to better manage their time. One of the standout features of the workshop was a time management challenge. In this interactive segment, students participated in various tasks with a specific deadline, earning points for their efficiency and effectiveness.

The true educational magic occurred after the challenge, as Schaljo and Julius led discussions to unpack the experience. They encouraged students to share their individual results, emphasizing the diversity of time management strategies adopted across different personalities. The advisors highlighted how each student approached tasks differently, showcasing the importance of developing a personal strategy that works best for them. In fostering this dialogue, they also reinforced the value of teamwork, illustrating how collaboration with peers can bolster individual performance and provide new insights into time management.

This time management workshop is just one component of the broader mission of the TRIO Destination College program, which aims to arm students with the necessary tools to succeed in their academic and professional lives. The program offers a variety of workshops covering topics such as financial literacy, college and career exploration, leadership development, as well as goal-setting techniques necessary for planning a successful future.

But the support doesn’t stop there. TRIO advisors also take an individualized approach by meeting one-on-one with high school students. These personalized sessions are designed to assist students in exploring potential career and college pathways, guiding them through complex financial aid applications, and making scholarship applications more manageable. Additionally, TRIO advisors help students navigate college orientation and course registration, effectively demystifying the steps required to pursue higher education.

The TRIO Destination College program is grant-funded through the U.S. Department of Education. Its primary goal is to support junior high and high school students, with a firm commitment to helping them successfully graduate from high school and transition smoothly into the college of their choice. The positive impact of such programs can be significant, often addressing disparities in educational opportunities for underrepresented student populations.

With its extensive resources and tailored programs, TRIO Destination College serves as a vital support system for students at a crucial juncture in their academic journeys. The program’s emphasis on not just achieving academic success, but also developing life skills, is becoming increasingly relevant in a world that demands more than just traditional knowledge from students.

For parents and students interested in learning more about the advantages of the TRIO Destination College program, reaching out for more information is simple. Lori Ohnesorge, the Director of TRIO Programs, is available for inquiries at 217-234-5007 or via email at lohnesor@lakelandcollege.edu. It’s an excellent opportunity for families to explore how such programs can empower their students to reach their full potential.

As we collectively navigate the challenges of education today, initiatives like the TRIO Destination College program not only inspire but actively prepare the next generation for the hurdles ahead. By instilling vital skills like time management and financial literacy today, we pave the way for a more competent, confident, and capable tomorrow. Whether through workshops or individualized support, Lake Land College is proving that with the right tools and resources, students can truly shape their futures.