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Eastern’s PBL Sponsors Smart Start Workshop
(Press Release 2-08-02)
Office of Public Information
Hank Mooney

Jamie Lindsey, outreach coordinator for Smart Start at the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, was guest speaker at Eastern Oklahoma State College recently. Lindsey discussed Smart Start for Brain Gain 2010, a tutoring and mentoring program that allows participants to earn over $2,400 a year to be used for tuition. Eastern’s chapter of Phi Beta Lambda sponsored the workshop.

Caption: Eastern Oklahoma State College Phi Beta Lambda chapter president Kermit Milican, right, from Wilburton, presents Jamie Lindsey, outreach coordinator for Smart Start at the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education with a certificate of appreciation for being the guest speaker at the Smart Start Workshop.

Smart Start for Brain Gain 2010 is a grant project co–sponsored by AmeriCorps and the State Regents to identify, recruit, train, and place 3,600 mentors and tutors with Oklahoma children, youth, and adults in existing school and community programs aimed at reducing educational failure and increasing chances for success.

The State Regents on behalf of Chancellor Hans Brisch, want every young person to continue his or her education after high school at an accredited vo–tech, two–year, or four–year institution of higher education.

“Throughout the history of education, education has drawn on experience,” she said. “As far back as the 1800s, experiential education was a part of the educational process. In the 1950s and throughout the 1960s, educational theorists used experiential education by going out into the field and helping someone achieve better—read better, perform a craft better. By helping others, you are also learning and improving your skills also.”

The Smart Start program allows students who are at least 17 years old to commit to service. The program guidelines are flexible.

“You must get your program of work approved,” explained Lindsey. “You fill out an application, include two references, a copy of your driver’s license or photo ID, a copy of your birth certificate, a contract, and an enrollment form. Sate Regents require that each applicant pass an OSBI background check. When your documentation is complete and turned in, I will notify you that you may begin work. It’s that simple.”

Participants have one year from the date they sign up to complete their service. They may choose to participate in 300, 425, or 900 hours of service.

“The money never comes to the palm of your hand,” Lindsey added. “That money—upon completion of the program and after all the paperwork is completed—is sent to the national trust. You will then receive a letter stating that money is available for you to use.”

The money is available for seven years from the date of completion and can be used for further education. You may take the letter to any state and go to school. The only requirement is that the tutoring or mentoring services be performed in the state of Oklahoma.

“It’s really that simple,” said Lindsey. “Eastern Oklahoma has truly embraced the Smart Start program. Some of you may already be doing activities that would qualify for the program. There is such a wide range of activities that count. Each case must be dealt with individually. That’s what I’m here for—to help you participate in this program and earn money for higher education.”

The money may also be used to repay student loans. If you sign up for Smart Start, prior loans are placed in forbearance while you serve.

For more information, contact Jamie Lindsey at 405.225.9195.