Program Office: Federal TRIO Programs

CFDA Number: 84.044
Program Type: Discretionary/Competitive Grants
Also Known As: TRIO (Talent Search is one of eight TRIO programs.)

This program identifies and assists individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who have the potential to succeed in higher education. The program provides academic, career, and financial counseling to its participants and encourages them to graduate from high school and continue on to the postsecondary institution of their choice. Talent Search also serves high school dropouts by encouraging them to reenter the education system and complete their education. The goal of Talent Search is to increase the number of youths from disadvantaged backgrounds who complete high school and enroll in postsecondary education institutions of their choice.

Projects provide tutorial services, career exploration, aptitude assessments, counseling, mentoring programs, workshops, and information on postsecondary institutions.

Services provided by the program include:

• Academic, financial, career, or personal counseling including advice on entry or re-entry to secondary or postsecondary programs
• Career exploration and aptitude assessment
• Tutorial services
• Information on postsecondary education
• Exposure to college campuses
• Information on student financial assistance
• Assistance in completing college admissions and financial aid applications
• Assistance in preparing for college entrance exams
• Mentoring programs
• Special activities for sixth, seventh, and eighth graders
• Workshops for the families of participants