Outreach Programs
PARTNERs
Luther PARTNERs (Pairing Academic Resources to Nurture Educational Revitalization) focuses on establishing a stronger partnership between Luther College and Winneshiek County schools: Decorah High School, South Winneshiek High School, and Turkey Valley High School.
Through competitive grant support from PARTNERs, area educators share and utilize college resources such as faculty expertise, undergraduate perspectives, and technology to enhance learning experiences.
Past projects have included a sociology unit on Amish culture (led by Luther social work faculty), a creative writing unit on book-making (incorporating art faculty), and a science unit on the building of a working medieval catapult (utilizing physics faculty and current Luther physics majors). PARTNERs grants have also made it possible for high school students to fire their pottery in Luther's kiln and plan service learning projects to better the Decorah community.
TRIO Programs
The federal TRIO programs are educational opportunity outreach programs designed to motivate and support students from disadvantaged backgrounds, including those from low-income households, first-generation college students, and students with disabilities. TRIO programs at Luther include Student Support Services (SSS) and Upward Bound.
The goal of Student Support Services is to increase the college retention and graduation rates of its participants through instruction in basic study skills; tutorial services; academic, financial, or personal counseling; assistance in securing admission and financial aid for enrollment in four-year institutions; assistance in securing admission and financial aid for enrollment in graduate and professional programs; guidance on career options; and mentoring and special services for students with limited English proficiency (LEP).
Upward Bound provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance, helping students succeed in their precollege performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits. Upward Bound serves: high school students from low-income families; high school students from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor's degree; and low-income, first-generation military veterans who are preparing to enter postsecondary education. The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.