Council Bluffs students got a glimpse of college life and gained a better understanding of career possibilities when they traveled to Iowa State University in April.

The trip was organized by the AIM Institute's Talent Search staff, who work with Wilson Junior High and Thomas Jefferson High students in the Council Bluffs Community School District. The federally funded Talent Search program provides college-preparation programs and services to students who have the potential to become the first in their families to attend college.

Wilson Jr. High Girls Explore Non-Traditional Careers
 

Thirty eighth-grade girls from Wilson Junior High School attended "Taking the Road Less Traveled," a day-long conference offered by ISU's Program for Women in Science and Engineering. The conference is designed to open girls' eyes to career possibilities in engineering, math and science. The girls selected the sessions of interest to them from a wide variety of non-traditional careers. 

T.J. High Students Explore Campus Facilities

Also making the trip were 15 Thomas Jefferson High sophomores and juniors, who were introduced to campus facilities through a unique blend of the latest CSI technology, old-world artisanship, the legacy and science surrounding seeds, and an historic tour of dance.

T.J. High students made the following stops on their tour of ISU:

Biotechnology Lab - It was CSI to the max as the students learned how to use biotechnology equipment to conduct a DNA experiment.

Glassblowing Shop - The artisans of ISU's Glassblowing Shop demonstrated their craft. The students learned there are more than 300 student groups on campus they can choose to become involved with.

Farm House - The students learned about Victorian-era life at the Farm House, the first building built on the ISU campus.

Seed Science Center - The students visited ISU's Seed Science Center, where they learned of George Washington Carver's legacy as a student and professor at ISU. They also saw how seeds are tested, sorted, measured and researched.

Dance and Movement Class - African, Salsa and Hip Hop were a few of the dance forms the students tried out as they learned about the history of dance by participating in a class in the Health and Human Performance Department.

Dormitories - No campus tour can be complete without seeing the dorm rooms that students live in — always an inspiration to students hoping to one day attend college.