The Grounded Canary (Beth Shaha) and Tierney Education (James Tierney) are teaming up to bring an engaging week-long program to prepare college-bound seniors for the variety of obstacles they will face over the next several years. 

After months of outreach to high school students and parents, Beth and James have honed in on the topics parents and students are most worried about as they take on this next chapter. This led them to design a week-long summer program that dives into the student as a person, not just a number trying to score well on a test. 

Activities during the week will include self-reflection on values, hopes, dreams, etc. Students will engage with each other and open up about their fears of stepping on campus for the first time. The program will feature guest speakers to help facilitate discussions around topics such as empathy, healthy relationships, diversity & inclusion, physical and mental health, mindset, and more. The program also will ask each student to present who they are and who they want to be, and empower them to make choices to become that person.

Example Day (each day will vary and keep things interesting, but here is a general overview):

1:00pm - 1:15pm | Arrival & Ice Breakers - Trust Building

1:15pm - 1:30pm | Prior Day Reflection and Today’s Overview

1:30pm - 2:00pm | Engaging Discussion & Activities 

2:00pm - 2:30pm | Small Group Conversations - How can you apply today’s information?

2:30pm - 2:45pm | Break

2:45pm - 3:15pm | Engaging Discussion & Activities

3:15pm - 3:45pm | Self Reflection on Day’s Material - Journaling

3:45pm - 4:00pm | Group Discussion on Next Day’s Material

Cost

The cost of this 15-hour program is $349 with a $50 discount for registrations submitted before April 15th. Any cancellations after June 27th, will not be granted a refund.

Enrollment

Enrollment is open to all college-bound students. Sessions are limited to 20.

Your Instructors

A little about Beth & James

Beth Shaha is a Master Certified Life Coach and Wayfinder with a Master’s Degree in Higher Education.  She is currently pursuing her International Coaching Certification which will be completed in early 2022.  She adores sitting at the feet of others and hearing their stories, and she is honored to be able to create space for them from which they can grow.  Beth has worked at several colleges and universities in the areas of student engagement and development and helped students define who they were and how they want to show up in the world, and developed plans to help them get there. Wherever Beth finds herself, and whatever she is doing, Beth is always on the go - making connections and making an impact in her community.  Beth enjoys spending time with her husband and three kids, traveling, noticing beauty, gathering around a table, and digging into a deep conversation about aligning your heart, soul and mind - all things that make her feel alive!  

James Tierney holds a masters degree in economics with a focus on economics education. With over a decade of experience in the college classroom, most recently at Penn State University Park, James hopes to bring his experience and expertise to those just starting out on their college path. James ended his time at Penn State in 2021, deciding to focus on his own education consulting business (Tierney Education) and helping to build creative spaces in State College like the Blue Brick Theatre and Happy Valley Improv.  James has lived around the country doing improv, teaching economics, and having fun in upstate New York, Western Massachusetts, and Southern California. He and his wife Kim are happy to call State College their home, living less than a mile from downtown with their two rescue dogs, Penny & Dakota