Additional Program Information

Developer and contact

Talent Search is one of several federal programs established by and funded through the Higher Education Act of 1965. These programs—known as "TRIO programs" because there were originally three of them—are designed to promote college enrollment and completion among low-income students. More information about Talent Search can be found at http://www.ed.gov/programs/triotalent/index.html.

Scope of use

Currently, Talent Search serves about 380,000 students a year through more than 400 projects sponsored by institutions of higher education, public and private agencies or organizations, and some secondary schools.

Description of intervention

Talent Search aims to promote high school graduation and college enrollment through academic support, exposure to college campuses, and assistance with understanding and accessing financial aid. The program serves both middle and high school students. Talent Search projects must primarily serve students who are low income and whose parents did not complete a four-year college degree. Program services include career exploration and aptitude assessment, tutorial services, information on postsecondary education, exposure to college campuses, counseling, academic advising, information on financial aid, help with completing college admissions and financial aid applications, assistance in preparing for college entrance exams, mentoring programs, and workshops for participants' families. According to a 2000 survey of project directors, nearly half of Talent Search participants received 10 or fewer hours of services a year.

Cost

In fiscal year 2005, Talent Search received approximately $145 million in federal funding to serve 384,588 participants, for an average cost of $376 per participant. In some cases, local programs supplement this federal funding with other resources. ³