Students and programs present research, TRIO and extracurricular updates to North Bend board
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Summary
Students and program staff presented the Science National Honor Society projects, an autonomous sailboat research project, Trio Upward Bound and other student activities, highlighting hands-on learning, travel opportunities and student leadership.
Students and program staff gave updates to the North Bend School District Board on May 1 about Science National Honor Society activities, an autonomous sailboat research project, and the federal TRIO programs serving first-generation and low-income students.
Members of the Science National Honor Society described outreach and fundraising activities, including a can-collection fundraiser that helps finance trips. Students said they attended the State of the Coast Conference, met researchers from Oregon State University and acquired an autonomous research sailboat named Hesperia equipped with a water-temperature sensor, air-temperature sensor, camera and solar panel. Student presenters said the sailboat will upload continuous data to a public website and that students expect to launch it in the Pacific as part of a research festival.
Laura Willis, introduced as a high school junior and vice president of the Science National Honor Society, said the club operates a can-recycling fundraiser and has taken students to regional conferences. Student presenters said the sailboat project will provide near-shore oceanographic data for scientists and educators.
Separately, representatives from the TRIO programs (Upward Bound and Educational Talent Search) described services for low-income, first-generation college students. Emma Meyer identified herself as the Upward Bound specialist; Natalie Morrow introduced herself as an educational talent specialist. Student ambassador Laura (last name not specified) described leadership training, a college-preparatory class at SWAC and a college trip to New York and Washington, D.C. TRIO staff described program outcomes from the previous year including a reported 91% on-time graduation rate for participants and 50–57% college enrollment metrics (figures presented by program staff).
TRIO staff said the programs provide free tutoring, college-application help, test preparation, a six-week summer enrichment program and two free college classes for matriculating seniors. Staff said 25 laptops were distributed to graduating seniors using grant funding.
Board members and staff thanked students and staff for the presentations and asked for continued updates, including future data from the sailboat project and outcomes for TRIO participants.
