Talent Search Services
Academic advising, assistance in pre-college and rigorous course planning and college course selection
Counselors advise students on rigorous pre-college curriculum to ensure postsecondary eligibility. A month-long summer program on high school preparation assists eighth grade students in making a successful transition from middle school to high school. Graduating seniors are advised on college course offerings and possible majors. Juniors and seniors are advised on the procedures to take classes for college credit while still in high school.
Assistance in completing college admission applications and financial aid forms
Students receive technical assistance in completing college admission applications and financial aid forms. Counselors encourage and assist students in utilizing online applications. A computer lab is available for program students to complete online applications and to complete the FAFSA. Counselors review applications and students are advised of admission application fee waivers/grants for TRIO participants available at many colleges and universities. Workshops are offered throughout the year providing students information on financial literacy, scholarships and other related topics. To learn more about local and national scholarships available, visit The BIG Scholarships | Smore Newsletters.
Assistance in preparing for college entrance examinations
Program staff advises students on preparing for the ACT and SAT exams. The program’s resource library houses study guides and practice test materials. Counselors advise students on test taking strategies, good study habit development, what to expect on the day of the exam, and other related topics in order to help prepare students for exams. ACT registration fee waivers are provided to students who meet limited income guidelines.
Mentoring and career counseling
Students are paired with program staff or other professionals for mentoring relationships. Students shadow staff members during the year and are exposed to the day-to-day responsibilities of TRIO personnel. In addition, workshops are conducted in middle schools, high schools and community agencies on career and educational opportunities.
Tutorial services
The TRIO Talent Search program maintains a staff of tutors who work with students within the Wichita school district to supplement learning for math and other subjects. During the academic year, the After School Tutoring Program (ASTP) is available, Monday through Thursday, from 3:00-6:00 p.m. in Brennan Hall I, Room 312.
Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) for middle school students
In the summertime, Talent Search offers a Summer Enrichment Program (SEP). Space is limited to 25 students. There is no cost for this fun, educational opportunity. The SEP will run for six weeks during June and July. The SEP provides students with supplemental instruction in mathematics, language arts, science, and life skills/financial literacy. Activities include virtual speakers, virtual campus visits, and more. All supplemental instruction will be taught by professional staff. Applications are now available. The last day to sign up for SEP is April 1, 2023.
Eligibility for SEP participation includes meeting the following federal TRIO program requirements:
- Income guidelines (eligible for free or reduced school lunch)
- Potential first generation college student (neither parent has a four-year college degree)
- Academic need
Guidance on secondary school re-entry or entry to other programs leading to a secondary school diploma or its equivalent
Counselors assist students who have dropped out of high school to re-enter school or enroll in an alternative education program. The purpose of this support is to assist students in receiving their high school diploma, high school equivalency, or GED so that they may be eligible to apply to postsecondary institutions.
Students have the opportunity to go on campus visits throughout the year to learn about admissions, financial aid, housing options, majors and other college-related matters. The program has taken students to campus visits throughout the state of Kansas as well as colleges in Oklahoma, Missouri, Colorado, Texas, Arizona and New Mexico.