Educational Talent Search’s (ETS) purpose is to increase the graduation and college-going rates of youth from disadvantaged backgrounds. ETS also serves high school dropouts by encouraging them to reenter the educational system and complete their education. Students must be between the ages of 11 and 27 and have completed the fifth grade. A veteran regardless of age may participate if she/he meets eligibility requirements.

Educational Talent Search serves 700 participants at six middle and ten high schools. ETS strives to provide academic support and cultural exposure to students that are in need of assistance in understanding their educational opportunities and other options available to them. Complete an ETS application.

•ETS Application (PDF)
•ETS Teacher/Counselor Recommendation (PDF)
•ETS Income Verification (PDF)
• Goals of Educational Talent Search
• Eligibility Criteria
• Program Services
• Request for Information about Talent Search
• ETS Application
• Handbook
• Student/Parent Resource Guide
• Tutoring (in-school for middle school students and after-school for high
  school students)
• Study skills instruction
• Counseling
• College admissions and financial aid assistance
• Tours of college campuses
• Cultural enrichment activities
• SAT/ACT/PSAT preparation
• Peer mentoring programs
• Community service opportunities
• Math-Science institute for middle school
• 8th grade transitions workshop for middle school
• More information about (PDF)

Educational Talent Search has the following goals:

• To increase the graduation and college-going rates of youth from disadvantaged backgrounds. TS
• Encourage high school dropouts to reenter the educational system and complete their education.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Students must be between the ages of 11 and 27 and have completed the fifth grade.
• In any given project, at least two-thirds of the participants must be low-income and potential first-generation college students. The remaining participants must be first-generation or low-income with the exception of Talent Search, which permits students to be served who do not meet the requirements but who possesses a tremendous need for assistance.
• A veteran regardless of age may participate if otherwise eligible.

Participants receive the following services:

• Tutoring (in-school for middle school students and after-school for high school students)
• Study skills instruction
• Academic, career and personal counseling
• College admissions and financial aid assistance
• Tours of college campuses
• Cultural enrichment activities
• SAT/ACT/PSAT preparation
• Peer mentoring opportunities
• Community service opportunities
• Math-Science institute for middle school
• 8th grade transitions workshop for middle school

ETS also schedules and conducts parent meetings in the three county areas in order to inform them of program services and information about curriculum changes along with parent technology workshops to improve their technical skills so that they can assist their child in completing college and financial aid applications online. A Peer Mentoring Program was established for middle and high school students. The purpose being to inspire the involvement of each individual in the understanding of their new environment; to comfort them in their struggles; lift their spirits through friendship; and help them set goals for a successful future. In addition, summer activities include SAT and ACT workshops where participants receive instruction in order to improve their test scores; Math/Science Workshop for middle school students to improve their basic skills in those subject areas and a Transitions workshop for 8th graders that addresses their concerns about high school and prepares them to make a smooth transition.