talent
search
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back to school
theSTARnewsTalent Search
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bluegrass community & technical college
P
reparing yourself for
college is about more than
academics. Social,
emotional, and community
awareness are just as important.
It is with these three things in
mind that Talent Search began
their summer programming.
Summer Review
and Fall Preview
This past summer’s middle
school camp, “Man in the
Mirror,” sought to explore the
power that our kids have to make
a positive change in the lives of
those around them. Building on
Talent Search middle school students visit Eastern Kentucky
University’s Office of Multicultural Student Affairs
themes from the Birmingham
Children’s March and the
America Civil Rights movement, we worked as a community to address issues
like bullying, environmental sustainability, poverty, and discrimination. Each
student got the chance to learn more about the community issues that we are all
facing, learn about resources that are available to those who want to help, and
Summer Review/Fall Preview
write their own pledge to challenge and remind them of the actions they can
Career Spotlight
take to make a positive difference in the world around them.
Actuary
Parents Corner
Our high school students broadened their horizons with the opportunity to visit
College
Spotlight
Murray State and Western Kentucky Universities at the beginning of the new
Northern Kentucky University
school year. Many got to see the far western part of our state for the first time,
Financial Aid Corner
and while learning about two very vibrant college communities, got to make
College Major
their own connections as well. From having fun at minor league baseball game
to challenging themselves with a journey through Mammoth Cave, they started
Upcoming Events
off their school year on the right foot!
inthisissue
This fall offers many other opportunities to encourage the positive energy of the
summer. Our first ETS Family Night of the year will focus on developing
resources to ensure success
in school and abroad. In
addition we will offer one
general ACT prep
workshop in October and
another math/science
focused workshop in
December. Our college
visits will take us to
Northern Kentucky
University and
Georgetown College – two
very different, and very
continued ~ TS Summer page two
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BCTC Talent Search serves 680 middle and high
school students from Clark, Fayette, and Scott
counties through funding from the US
Department of Education. Our purpose is to help
our participants:
 Excel in school
 Develop awareness of potential careers
 Experience positive cultural activities
 Understand and pursue postsecondary
educational opportunities
The Star News is a quarterly publication of the
BCTC Talent Search Project, edited by Libbe
Jefferson.
Information in this publication was taken from
the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational
Outlook handbook, be an actuary, Joan Mason,
the Khan Academy and United Way; it should not
be copied or used for any other purposes.
T
TS Summer
continued from page one
here are two resources out there that I want all of our
parents to be aware of. Both are extensive in their
services and amazingly, completely FREE of charge!
We all need to be aware of these great resources for ourselves
and our friends and families!
popular, regional schools.
We hope that as the fall continues, many of you will be
able to join us as we explore the many different pieces of
college and career readiness offered to our students. It’s
going to be a great time!
Actuary
A
ctuaries analyze the financial costs of risk and uncertainty. They use mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to assess the risk that an event will occur
and to help businesses and clients develop policies that
minimize the cost of that risk. They are the leading professionals in finding ways to manage risk. It takes a combination of strong analytical skills, business knowledge, and
understanding of human behavior to manage today's complex risks facing our society. They’re key players on the
management team of companies that deal with risk. In a
fast-changing world, with emerging risks and the need for
more creative ways to tackle them, there are constant opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Education
Actuaries must have a strong background in mathematics,
statistics, and business. Typically, an actuary has an undergraduate degree in mathematics, statistics, business, or actuarial science. To become certified professionals, students
must complete coursework in economics, applied statistics,
and corporate finance. Coursework in calculus and business, such as accounting and management, are essential for
students as well.
Students should also take classes outside of mathematics
and business to prepare them for a career as an actuary.
Coursework in computer science, especially programming
languages and the ability to use and develop spreadsheets,
databases, and statistical analysis tools, is valuable. Classes
in writing and public speaking will improve students’ ability to communicate in the business world.
United Way of the Bluegrass 2-1-1
2-1-1 is a free service, available 24/7 in a multitude of
languages that connects callers with available resources so
people can find food, housing, health care, senior services,
child care, legal aid, volunteer opportunities, prescription
assistance (FamilyWize), and much more.
With one call to 211, people can reach a trained specialist
who assesses a caller’s full scope of needs and matches them
to the right services. 211 also assists in times of disaster,
providing critical information and evacuation routes, food,
and shelter.
211 is accessible through both land lines and cell phones. If
your phone system cannot connect to 211 or if you are calling
from outside Central Kentucky, please dial 859-313-5465.
The Khan Academy
The next resource that you should be aware of is a learning
site called the Khan Academy. The Khan Academy is an
organization on a mission. A not-for-profit organization with
a goal of changing education for the better by providing
FREE world-class education for anyone, anytime, anywhere.
This is more than just a tutoring site, it’s a learning site,
teaching from an extensive video library, interactive
challenges, and assessments.
Students can practice and master subjects at their own pace.
It is a totally interactive learning environment with hints and
help along the way. Every single problem can be broken
down, step-by-step, with one click. If more help is needed,
the related videos are just a click away.
www.khanacademy.org.
Hope this helps and we look forward to a successful and
wonderful school year for you and your children!
Certification
Two professional societies—the Casualty Actuarial Society
(CAS) and the Society of Actuaries (SOA)—sponsor programs leading to full professional status. The CAS and
SOA offer two levels of certification: associate and fellowship. The CAS certifies actuaries who work in the property
and casualty field, which includes automobile, homeowners’, medical malpractice, and workers’ compensation insurance.
careerspotlight
the star news page two
Talent Search students at Murray State University
bluegrass community & technical college talent search
Corner
Parent’s
collegespotlight
Welcome to Northern Kentucky University, a growing
metropolitan university of nearly 16,000 students served by more
than 2,000 faculty and staff on a thriving suburban campus near
Cincinnati. Located in the quiet suburb of Highland Heights, KY
- just seven miles southeast of Cincinnati - NKU has become a
leader in Greater Cincinnati and Kentucky by providing a private
school education for a fraction of the cost. NKU offers 70
bachelor's degrees, six associate degrees, 20 graduate programs,
three Juris Doctor, a Doctor of Education in Educational
Leadership and a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, as well as
more than 30 graduate certificates. Some of their most popular
bachelor’s degrees include Business/Marketing, Health
Professions, Visual & Performing
hether the economy is flourishing or struggling, one of the best things we
Arts, Education, and Journalism/
can do to help plan for our own future, and the future of our loved ones, is to
Communication.
Northern Kentucky
University
Highland Heights, Kentucky
To accomplish great things,
we must not only act,
but also dream;
not only plan, but also believe.
Anatole France
It is not enough to take steps which
may some day lead to a goal;
each step must be itself a goal
and a step likewise.
Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
Success is not the key to
happiness. Happiness is the key
to success. If you love what you
are doing, you will be successful.
Albert Schweitzer
The only way of finding the limits of
the possible is by going beyond
them into the impossible.
Arthur C. Clarke
 page three the star news
make sure that we stay on top of our finances. Below you will find a financial wellness checklist that will help you determine how wisely you manage and utilize you finances.
Place a check mark next to each statement that you believe is true. Then, add up the
total number of your check marks and compare with the ratings listed at the bottom.
__ I have enough income to pay
my bills completely each month.
__ I have a retirement account.
$
__ I have completed a net worth
statement during the past year.
__I did not spend more than I had
planned for holidays during the last
year.
__ I have not paid any credit card
finance charges or interest in the
last three months.
__ If I have financed a car, the resale value is greater than the
amount I owe.
__ I know about how much it
takes me to live on each month.
__I do not regularly entertain myself by shopping.
__ I have and use a spending plan.
__When I make major purchases, I
always compare prices.
__ I have a health insurance policy that protects me.
__ I have auto insurance amounts
well above that required by state
law.
__I have enough money in an
emergency account to meet four
to six month’s expenses.
__ I am able to put aside money
from my take home pay each
month in savings.
__I keep my financial records well
organized.
__ I have carefully thought about
financial goals for the long term.
__ I have a life insurance policy
that will provide for my dependents.
__I have an investment account to
which I contribute each month.
How do you rate?
12-20: You’re a financial champion 10-14:You’re financially awake and aware
5-10: You’re looking at your financial picture, but you need to spend some more time
thinking about the future Under 5 — Financial planning should be a priority in your life
Think you need to make some changes? Use the questions above as your starting point. Be healthy — physically and financially.
Checklist By: Joan Mason, Sumter County Extension coordinator/Family & Consumer Sciences,
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service.
corner
For the 2012-2013 year:
Tuition: $3,936 (12-16 credits)*
Housing: $1,875 and up*
Meal plans: $1,430 and up*
*Costs are per semester
W
financial aid
talent search bluegrass community & technical college
Bluegrass Community & Technical College
talent search project
2659 Regency Road
Lexington KY 40503
contact
tel ~ 859.246.6574 ~ 800.625.6678
fax ~ 859.246.4656
web ~ http://bluegrass.kctcs.edu/talent_search.aspx
facebook ~ www.facebook.com/bctc_ets
twitter ~ @ b c t c e t s
staff
Carol Elrod
Dikiea Elery
Kelli Reno
Michelle Sweat
Libbe Jefferson
director
educational advisor
educational advisor
educational advisor
administrative assistant
BCTC is an equal opportunity employer and educational
institution.
collegemajor
O
ne of the benefits of studying mathematics is the variety of
career paths it provides. A 2009 study showed that the top three
best jobs in terms of income and other factors were careers
suited for math majors. Mathematicians use high-level mathematics
and technology to develop new mathematical principles, understand
relationships between existing principles, and solve real-world
problems.
Education
For jobs as a mathematician with the federal government, candidates
need at least a bachelor's degree with a major in mathematics or
significant coursework in mathematics. Also, holders of bachelor's
degrees who meet state certification requirements may become middle
or high school mathematics teachers.

Most colleges and universities offer a bachelor's degree in mathematics.
Courses usually include calculus, differential equations, and linear and
abstract algebra. Many colleges and universities advise or require
mathematics students to take courses in a related field, such as
computer science, engineering, or physical science. Candidates who
have a double major in mathematics and a related discipline are
particularly desirable to many employers.
Upcoming Events
College Visit 11/03
Georgetown College
Student Ambassador Training 11/17
ACT Workshop 12/1
Regency Campus
Family Night 12/11
Regency Campus
Family Night 1/17
Regency Campus
ACT Workshop 2/2
Regency Campus
College Visit 2/23
Morehead State University
Family Night 3/12
Clark County
HS Spring Break Trip 4/01TBA 4/04
Senior Celebration 5/21
Leestown Campus
Middle School Camp 6/17
University of Kentucky 6/20
Excellent Student Celebration June 2013
In private industry, mathematicians typically need an advanced degree,
either a master's degree or a doctorate. Many universities offer master's
and doctoral degrees in theoretical or applied mathematics.
A master’s degree generally takes 2 years beyond the bachelor's degree.
That is often enough for many positions in applied mathematics.
However, most people with a master's degree in mathematics do not
work as mathematicians. Instead, they work in related fields, including
computer science, where they have titles such as computer
programmer, systems analyst, and systems engineer, and statistics,
where they are called statisticians.
For a position as a professor of mathematics in a college or university,
a doctorate is usually required. A doctoral degree usually takes at least
5 years of study beyond the bachelor's degree.
Job Outlook
According to the US Occupational Outlook Handbook, Employment of
mathematicians is expected to increase by 16 percent from 2010 to
2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Advancements in
technology that allow for better collection and processing of data will
lead to an expanding need for mathematicians to analyze the data.
Mathematics
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page four the star news
talent search bluegrass community & technical college