Vincennes, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Project Achieving Success through Participation in Reaching Educational Excellence, known as ASPIREE, has added several new schools to its federally funded grant program.

Project ASPIREE is adding underrepresented students from Washington Catholic Middle and High School and North Daviess Jr/Sr High School who have the potential to succeed in higher education to their program.

The program identifies and assists students from income-eligible backgrounds or potential first-generation students. Students are mentored to graduate high school and also complete a post-secondary education program of their choice.

Through academic advising, financial counseling, college visits, social enrichment, cultural activities, mentoring, and more, students are given the tools they need to succeed.

The program is free for students, parents and participating schools. It is a federally funded TRIO talent search program supported by the Federal Department of Education and sponsored by Vincennes University.

Director of ASPIREE, Kimberly Fields said, “A lot of kids think that college isn’t doable, or their parents might think they can’t afford it. There is actually a lot of money out there and ways to help pay for college. We are big on exploration…helping them kind of figure things out.”

The program supports students from middle school through high school and even checks in with them after graduation.

Middle school and high school students in Daviess, Martin, and Sullivan counties
are encouraged to apply for Project ASPIREE regardless of criteria.