Talent Search Program at Tri-County
Receives $306,081 Federal Grant

CONTACT: BRENDA TAYLOR, EXT. 2375

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 8/6/99
(By Lisa Garrett)

PENDLETON - An outreach program providing the support that gives students the skills needed to succeed in college has received continued federal funding for the 19th consecutive year by the U.S. Department of Education for Tri-County Technical College. All funds were awarded through a competitive discretionary grant process.

Educational Talent Search provides tutorial, study skills, cultural and motivational services for students in middle, junior high and high schools who meet eligibility requirements. Tri-County received notification of funding in the amount of $306,081 for 1999 - 2000.

Talent Search is one of three TRIO programs designed to help students to overcome academic, social, class and cultural barriers to higher education.

The program works with schools and community agencies in the tri-county area and offers a variety of services to help students enter post-secondary institutions. The program offers such services as small group tutoring, academic, career and personal counseling, interest tests, SAT workshops, college tours and study skills classes. Students also get help in completing and submitting college admissions and financial aid applications.

Another feature is ongoing tutoring during the school year for middle school and junior high students. A summer component workshop for both high school and sixth, seventh and eighth graders offers an introduction to personal computers.

According to Talent Search Coordinator Brenda Taylor, during its 19 years of funding, Talent Search has served more than 10,000 secondary students in the three-county area. Funding for the coming year will provide services to approximately 650 students.

For more information about Talent Search, contact Brenda Taylor at Ext. 2375 at one of these numbers: Anderson County - 225-2250; Oconee County - 882-4412; Pickens County - 859-7033; or Clemson/Pendleton/Anderson - 646-8361. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech disabled should call TDD/VOICE 1-800-735-2905.

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