Message from Executive Director Larry Ramos
TRIO Talent Search (TS) is honored to connect low income and potential first generation college students with postsecondary educational opportunities. Our mission is firmly woven into the fabric of creating equity and excellence for students and their families as they seek to improve their futures. Whether that means being the conduit between families and financial aid, helping students and their parents understand postsecondary options, or working with individuals to return to school, the program is here to assist.
Talent Search serves three high schools (North, Southeast, and West) and six middle schools (Brooks Magnet, Curtis, Gordon Parks Academy, Hamilton, Jardine Magnet, and Mayberry Magnet). TS counselors are either embedded in or visit the aforementioned schools several times a week. Once there, the counselors partner with the school staff to determine the best course of action to ensure that students’ academic needs are met. For example, if a need exists for tutoring in math, Talent Search will support that effort by employing a Wichita State student to tutor math at that school or encourage the students to attend the After School Tutoring Program (ASTP) located on the WSU main campus in Brennan Hall I, third floor. Talent Search has multiple resources to connect students with the support they need to be successful.
The program also plans campus visits to two-year and four-year colleges and universities throughout the year. The campus visits are student oriented, giving them a first-hand view of select institutions of higher education. These visits have made a tremendous impact on students and are often the factor that helps them decide which college to attend. In addition to tutoring and campus visits, the program offers college admissions assistance, help in completing financial aid (e.g., FAFSA) and scholarship applications, ACT/SAT test preparation, mentoring activities, career and personal counseling, financial literacy workshops, and the Middle School Summer Enrichment Program.
The staff of TRIO Talent Search is excited and ready to assist students in reaching their educational goals.
Larry Ramos
Executive Director
August 2023