TRIO Educational Talent Search Receives Continuation of $4.265 Million in Grant Funding

Idaho State University’s Office of  Access and Opportunity recently received a continuation of two TRIO Educational Talent Search (ETS) grants totaling $4.265 million. These grants will enable Idaho State to continue to serve 1,600 8th-12th grade students in South Central and Eastern Idaho over the next five years. 

TRIO Educational Talent Search grants are two of eight TRIO grants funded at Idaho State University which provide a pipeline of services starting in eighth grade through graduate school enrollment. Through the program, students receive academic, financial, career and personal advising, along with mentoring programs, assistance in completing college and financial aid applications and more. 

The goal of Talent Search is to increase the number of youth from limited income and first-generation (meaning neither parent has a 4-year bachelor's degree) backgrounds who complete high school and enroll in and complete their postsecondary education. 

Services provided by the TRIO ETS include

• Academic, financial, career, or personal advising 
• 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 eighth graders
• Workshops for the families of participants