In an effort to level the playing field for Owensville High students pursuing their post-high school careers, Elizabeth Hinch began a journey last year to establish a rapport and provide guidance and resources to help scholars plan for their futures.

Hinch, who was hired in the 2022-23 school year, is in her second year providing the post-secondary advisory service through a combine partnership with the Missouri School Board Association (MSBA), RootEd Alliance and Ozark Technical College. The three-year RootEd program is paid for with COVID dollars to help students through career exploration and post-secondary attainment.

“With RootEd, the idea is to put college and career advisors in rural high schools to give rural students a better chance of success after high school,” Hinch said. “It is no secret rural students are at a disadvantage as far as careers, universities and resources they need. My goal is to be that person to provide that resource for students.”

Hinch said last year, getting to know the students and the program, was a learning curve. This year she is ready to tackle the needs with more experience and resources.

“Going into my second year I am much more comfortable with that program,” she said. “I have different plans for different events for the year for students, to provide ideas for different pathways after high school, whether that be military, college or workforce.”

For students who are unsure what they want to do, she will be “reaching for them the hardest.”

“I meet with every senior and every freshmen,” she said. “I find that to be helpful, meeting with freshmen to see what they are thinking.”

Hinch said she will reintroduce herself to the 2023-24 seniors in a group setting at the beginning of school.

“Meeting with seniors as a group at first is very helpful to give them information about what it is I do and can do to help them,” Hinch said. “A lot of students came to me last year and said ‘I don’t want to go to college.’ I am not here to push anybody towards something they don’t want to do. My goal is to push them to information that is out there and finding the different pathways.”

Assistant Superintendent Dr. Staci Johnson helps oversee that the district is on tract with its curriculum and goals for students’ futures.

“Last year, 66 percent of the senior class said they wanted to attend a two or four year college,” she shared. “Of those students, 94 percent applied and 90 percent were accepted before they graduated. We are trying to meet our kids with their dreams and goals. The 22 percent wanted to go straight to the work force.”

According to the break down in the program’s success from last year, 40 percent of students planned to attend a two year college, 26 percent planned to attend a four year college, 10 percent planned to apprentice or go into career training, and two percent were undecided.

“In the class of 2023, 22 percent went straight to the workforce,” Johnson said. “Of those who wanted an apprenticeship, 100 percent applied to the program. Whatever their  individual goal is they are making strides towards that. All councilors have different roles, but Elizabeth is focused on life after high school.”

Once students know where they want to go, Hinch is there to help them through the financial aid process.

“Financial aid, too, is a daunting task,” Hinch said. “Working with students and finding out what they want to do is a tiny part of it. Filling out applications, mock interviews, and helping them with financial aid is a huge scare for students and parents. I learned a lot last year. When students hear financial aid or FASFA they are like ‘what is that?’”

Taking the time to help students and parents fill out financial aid forms was a huge help to families last year.

Hinch said she also realizes that asking the community to help support the students results in great feedback.

“Working with the community and parents more is one of my top goals for this year,” she said. “Finding out what need is here in Owensville and surrounding areas for students who want to join the workforce is something I want to do. Along with working with the community and building relationships and having networking opportunities to provide this information. There are so many different things our students can be doing. It is overwhelming for me and them.”

Students come to Hinch and share what they want to do.

“They ask, ‘do I have to move away or can I stay here?’” She said. “Working with the Owensville Chamber of Commerce is something I also plan to do this year. There are local businesses, the Carpenters Union in St. Louis, and so much more. But I really want to focus on our community.”

Several resources that Hinch will help with this year will include a College and Career Day to help students make connects with local businesses and owners, talking to people about apprenticeships. There is also a Build My Future event in the spring and fall hosted by various companies and unions for students who want to build, weld or operate equipment.

“We did it last year,” Hinch said. “It was a different experience doing it themselves versus watching a video. I was only able to go in the fall. This year we would like to go in spring and fall. There is also different events like manufacturing day. Students who want to go into culinary arts. I am talking to staff members in the community to find out about other events that are like that, to give students hands-on experience to see what they could do or might be interested in doing.”

Johnson said last year the district was able to help students who wanted to be teachers to get their para license.

“They will be able to work while going to school,” Johnson said.

Hinch plans to send out letters introducing herself to parents and students and explaining the program.

“I want to integrate more this year,” Hinch said. “Integrate a safe space for parents. If the student is going into a path the parent has no idea about they are not going to be very helpful. I want students and parents to know if they are not comfortable, they have someone they can ask questions. If I don’t have answer I will find out.”