Grand Valley State University students interested in pursuing a degree in K-12 education have the opportunity to attend four Professional Readiness Exam (PRE) study sessions in March hosted by the TRIO Teacher Preparation Student Support Services (TPSSS).

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences partnered with the College of Education and TRIO TPSSS at GVSU to host the study sessions.

TPSSS is a federally funded grant program designed to promote the learning and personal development of GVSU undergraduate students pursuing a K-12 education degree.

Aliya Armstrong, the TPSSS program director, said the program at GVSU will provide opportunities for academic development, assist with college readiness and encourage TPSSS-eligible students to successfully complete their degree.

An added benefit available to the students who are part of TPSSS are the PRE study sessions.

The sessions will be held from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. in 122 Manitou Hall on the Allendale Campus on March 22, March 29 and April 5 and will cover topics such as writing, math and testing anxiety.

“We want to help students reach their goals, and TRIO programs are structured in a way to fit the needs of every student,” Armstrong said. “These programs are set apart from other counseling and advising programs because of the amount of attention given to each student.”

Bonnie Peterson, the office coordinator for TPSSS, said the program is able to fit each student’s individual needs by having each TPSSS participant complete an assessment, personal essay and one-on-one interview as part of the process of acceptance to the program.

The information gathered from these steps helps the TPSSS department develop its training, seminars, workshops and presentations.

In order to get students interested in the program, TRIO TPSSS will host two kickoff events on March 31.

The first, “Donuts with the Director,” will take place on the Allendale Campus in Room 2270 of the Kirkhof Center from 10 a.m. until noon.

The second, “Get the Scoop,” will take place on the Pew Campus in the University Club from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m.

TPSSS encourages GVSU students to come to these events and learn about how the program is helping undergraduate students interesting in K-12 education.

Students can apply to the TPSSS program at www.gvsu.edu/tpsss.