The Daily Southerner, Tarboro, NC

Local News

November 23, 2009

College prep programs have longevity in Edgecombe

KIMBERLY BELLAMY

Each year students in Edgecombe have gained academic assistance on the weekends or over the summer from Educational Talent Search (ETS) and Upward Bound since 1970 and 1987, respectively.

The program director Antonio Stephens recently shared some of the highlights of the programs with Edgecombe County School Board members.

ETS served 300 students in grades 6-12 during 2008-09, and 23 students were served at the high schools in Upward Bound during the same time span.

Both programs have a focus on educating students, and prepping them for secondary education.

ETS targets students that belong to families with neither parent having a college degree, and an income under $33,000.

Upward Bound allows students to receive instruction in subjects such as math, literature, composition and science on a college campus on the weekends during the summer. The main location that students attend classes is at St. Augustine’s College in Raleigh.

“We don’t recruit for St. Augustine’s. The students can go anywhere they would like to go,” Stephens said.

The time has recently been split between a community college and four year college during the summer portion.

“This year we had two weeks at Edgecombe Community College so they can get a feel for a community college setting, and a non-residential setting,” Stephens said.

The students still spent three weeks on campus at St. Augustine’s.

“We want them to be acclimated to a college setting,” Stephens said.

Devine Eatmon, senior at North Edgecombe, has been involved in Upward Bound since his freshman year and said the program has better prepared him for his high school coursework as well as college.

“When I get back to school, we’ve already taken those courses so it puts us ahead,” Eatmon said about the summer instructional help.

“It really gives you a picture of how your college life will look in the future.”

Eatmon’s mother, Wanda Eatmon, 39, didn’t complete her undergraduate education at St. Augustine’s, the college she began after high school, but did cite the benefits of the program.

“I was getting help on Saturdays so when I went back on Monday, I wasn’t getting so far behind,” she said.

During Stephens’ presentation to the board, board member Theresa Bryant mentioned her past involvement in the program.

“It’s an excellent program, and I want to commend you for the work you do,” Bryant said.

“We have a history of our students, from not only one semester to the next, but one year to the next going on and preparing for college,” Stephens said.

ETS is offered in Nash, Edgecombe, Halifax, Martin, North Hampton, Vance, Franklin and Warren counties. Upward Bound is offered in Nash, Edgecombe, and Southeast Halifax counties.

ETS and Upward Bound are two of multiple TRIO programs established and funded by Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965.

Trio programs have expanded to more than 1,000 secondary educational institutions across America, the Caribbean, and Pacific Islands, serving low-income first generation potential college students.

Text Only
Local News
  • (USE FRONT) One To Go.jpg Tractor pull again a success

    PINETOPS – The 36th annual Pinetops 300 Tractor and Truck Pull was just as big as the previous events on Friday and Saturday night. There was standing room only both nights. Everyone got their monies worth on Saturday night during the last event.

    May 21, 2012 3 Photos

  • gas prices.JPG Gas prices break $3.50 barrier locally

    Gasoline prices have dropped below $3.50 per gallon for the first time since 2011.
    After hitting $3.479 on Friday, prices fell another two cents per gallon Saturday at Wilco/Hess at Main and Granville in downtown and at Murphy Gas on US 258 South. By Sunday, that price had spread to at least four other outlets in town.

    May 21, 2012 1 Photo

  • Garden 1.jpg Edgecombe Garden Club presents annual awards and installs 2012-2014 officers

    At its May meeting, the Edgecombe Garden Club was presented with several awards won at the state convention in Asheville. District 12 Director Brenda Crocker made the presentations.

    May 21, 2012 3 Photos

  • May is Mental Health Month: Do More For 1 in 4

    Vidant Behavioral Health Center, a department of Vidant Edgecombe Hospital, is calling on the community to acknowledge May as Mental Health Month. The commemorative month was created more than 50 years ago by Mental Health America (MHA), a national mental health advocacy organization.

    May 18, 2012

  • Parks and Rec offers wide variety of summer activities

    Summer is a time for excitement and a time to enjoy the warm weather through various activities.
    And for the opportunity to explore your artistic, athletic or even adventurous side, the Tarboro Parks and Recreation Department welcomes children, adults and seniors to participate in a variety of summer activities, including athletic camps, water aerobics, dance classes, arts and crafts and a number of team-oriented programs.

    May 18, 2012

  • Here is a list of recreational facilities in and around Tarboro:

    Community Swimming Pool
    Poplar Street
    A swimming pool complex open to all Tarboro residents is located in the geographic center of town on Poplar Street, complete with a diving well, children's pool, competitive swimming pool, bathhouse, and patio/concession area.
    Tennis Courts

    May 18, 2012

  • keith hale .jpg Unsolved murders eat at law enforcement, too

    It's been 25 years since Roy John Rieck was found, brutally murdered, at Tarboro's Pizza Hut. Rieck, 47, was apparently closing the establishment for the night when he was stabbed at least 20 times. He was found lying in a puddle of blood at 12:15 a.m. on Aug. 31, 1987.

    May 17, 2012 3 Photos

  • AIB group Submits application

    With its 28-page community profile officially submitted, Tarboro’s America In Bloom (AIB) committee is now focused on igniting a spring cleaning buzz throughout town for the coming of the organization’s judges in June.

    May 17, 2012

  • DSCN3696.JPG Anew creation working to improve lives of youth

    Kendrick Pittman, 33, realizes everyone endures obstacles in life and is ultimately responsible for the choices he or she makes. His choice was to work to positively impact the lives of the youth in the community. 

    May 17, 2012 1 Photo

  • Muhammad satisfied with term on council

    Melvin Muhammad said he did what he intended to do during one term on the Tarboro Town Council by stirring up a little controversy. Now, after not seeking reelection,  he's ready to ride off in the sunset.

    May 16, 2012