More about Educational Talent Search

Educational Talent Search is funded by the U.S. Department of Education and hosted by Clarion University. All services are available free of charge. Educational Talent Search began its operation at Clarion University in 1992 and serves over 900 persons annually. Nationally, similar Talent Search programs have been in existence since 1965 and involve over 300,000 students each year. Educational Talent Search is available to students age 12 and older in schools in Clarion, Jefferson and Venango Counties. Twelve area school districts are currently targeted to participate in this program.

Information about TRIO Programs

In order to provide educational opportunity for all Americans regardless of race, ethnic background or economic circumstance, Congress has established a series of programs to help Americans enter college, graduate and move on to participate fully in America’s economic and social life. These programs are funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and are referred to as the TRIO Programs, which are administered by the U.S. Department of Education.

While student financial aid programs help students overcome financial barriers to higher education, TRIO Programs help students overcome class, social and cultural barriers to higher education. Over 1,200 colleges, universities and agencies now offer TRIO Programs in America. TRIO funds are distributed to institutions and agencies through competitive grants.

Who is served?

As mandated by Congress, two-thirds of the students served must come from families with specific incomes, where neither parent graduated from college. Many programs serve students in grades six through 12. Thirty-nine percent of TRIO students are white, 36 percent are African-American, 16 percent are Hispanic, five percent are Native American and four percent are Asian-American. Sixteen thousand TRIO students are disabled.

• Clarion County Target School Districts
  • A-C Valley
  • Clarion-Limestone
  • Keystone
  • North Clarion
  • Redbank Valley
  • Union
• Jefferson County Target School Districts
  • Brookville
• Venango County Target School Districts
  • Cranberry
  • Franklin
  • Oil City
  • Rocky Grove
  • Titusville

Educational Talent Search Services

Career Planning

Students identify personal interests and relate them to decision making strategies and occupational choices. Career searches and inventories are available. An annual career day is held each spring.

Learning Skills Development

Students are instructed in effective learning techniques. Emphasis is on improving academic performance through developing reading, listening, note taking, organizational and time management skills. Students also learn how to prepare for and take exams, including the SAT and ACT.

Postsecondary Information

Students are acquainted with the varieties of postsecondary schooling and are assisted in examining opportunities for study at different community, technical, private, and state institutions. The application and selection processes are also addressed. College identification searches are available.

Financial Aid Information

Information on grants, loans, scholarships, and other forms of financial aid are available. Assistance in completing the FAFSA is provided. Scholarship searches are available, and annual financial aid nights are held.

Educational Enrichment Experiences

Students have opportunities to visit four-year, two-year, and technical schools for campus tours and presentations. Students may also attend college fairs and have opportunities to participate in cultural and educational activities