MURRAY, Ky. – This summer, TRiO Talent Search at Murray State University provided more than 100 middle and high school students with opportunities to explore colleges, careers and cultural experiences through a robust series of on-campus programs, college visits and hands-on workshops. These experiences are central to TRiO’s mission of helping first-generation and low-income students envision and achieve their goals in higher education.
On-campus camps
From June 23–25, 16 students entering seventh through ninth grades participated in the Middle School Explorations Camp, diving into a variety of academic and career pathways. Students toured the Esports Lounge, created EL wire sculptures, experimented with basic coding using Sphero robots and enjoyed a “blind date with a book” for Read25 Day, a national reading initiative. They also explored health professions with the School of Nursing and Health Professions (SONHP) and Purchase Area Health Education Center (AHEC), studied watershed biology at Hancock Biological Station and learned to use the library and makerspace for research and creative projects.
On June 26–27 and July 24–25, TRiO partnered with the School of Engineering to host two 3D Experience Camps, where 31 students learned the basics of 3D design and printing. They created several projects, including balloon-powered cars which they designed, printed and raced — combining creativity, problem-solving and engineering principles.
From July 7–9, 26 students in grades 10–12 attended the College & Career Connections Camp, a three-day program focused on preparing high school students for their next steps in education. Students engaged in hands-on sessions with Hutson School of Agriculture faculty to learn about Murray State’s veterinary technology program, participated in interactive health professions activities with SONHP and AHEC and explored online research and creative tools in the library and makerspace. The camp also included guided visits to John A. Logan College and Southern Illinois University in Carbondale and concluded with a fun evening at the Calvert City Drive-In to celebrate their accomplishments.
College visits and cultural enrichment
- From June 8–11, 25 students traveled to Lexington, Kentucky, where they toured Transylvania University, attended a Lexington Legends baseball game and spent a full day at Berea College. Their Berea visit included a campus tour and information session, a planetarium show, a vision board activity with Career Services and an in-depth look at the labor program through Student Craft. Students also explored Shaker Village, where they learned traditional skills in a broom-making workshop.
- On July 11, eight students visited Western Kentucky University for a campus tour and lunch, followed by a science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics workshop and guided experience at the National Corvette Museum.
- On July 18, six students toured the University of Tennessee at Martin, then spent the afternoon at the Discovery Park of America, where they experienced the thought-provoking “Real Bodies” exhibit.
Additional enrichment programs
- Seven students completed the online financial literacy course, which included interactive modules on budgeting, saving, credit management and planning for long-term financial goals, helping them develop critical money management skills.
- Seven students participated in the Paducah Art Workshop at Murray State’s Paducah regional campus, where they painted ceramic figures, attended a presentation from West Kentucky Community and Technical College’s Art Program and embarked on a scavenger hunt at the National Quilt Museum. The workshop concluded with tours of Paducah’s iconic floodwall murals and a visit to the Yeiser Art Gallery downtown.
Empowering students for the future
Through these diverse programs, TRiO Talent Search continues to empower first-generation and low-income students to see themselves thriving in higher education. By blending academic exploration, career readiness and cultural enrichment, TRiO helps students build the confidence, skills and vision they need to achieve their future goals. To learn more about TRiO Talent Search, visit bit.ly/TRiOTalentSearch.