Educational Talent Search is an early intervention educational opportunity program for 7-12 grade students. Our goal is to help prepare your student to go to college and complete a degree. We emphasize personal and career development, financial literacy, academic skills, and ACT readiness. Our college preparatory workshops prepare your student for the rigors of higher education. Campus visits, academic monitoring, and guidance with college and financial aid applications serve the needs of both you and your student. We also host summer STEM College Hop and STEM Junior High Camp for our participants. The Talent Search program at National Park College is funded in total (100%) by federal grant funding from the U.S. Department of Education, with an annual budget of $336,357.00.
Focus Areas:
Personal and Career Development
Weekly sessions during school hours to assess goal setting, self-esteem, decision
making, and career interests.
Financial Literacy
Information on scholarships, grants, loans, and work study programs, along with individual
assistance with paperwork.
Academic Skills
Promote skills necessary for successfully entering college and completing a bachelor’s
degree.
ACT Readiness
Preparation for the ACT test and how it relates to college admission.
Participants
Talent Search selects students for participation based on their need for the program and certain criteria established by the Department of Education. Our program provides academic, career, and financial counseling to its participants and encourages them to graduate from high school and continue on to the next level of their education. All individuals will be considered without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, political belief, or disability.
Services
Talent Search services are available to participants free of charge.
- Post Secondary Admissions: Assistance will be provided for completing all forms necessary to enter college or technical school. Group and individual visitations to college campuses will be arranged. Individual plans of study will be explored and developed.
- Individual Academic Counseling: Services include academic advising for students requiring assistance in curriculum planning, ACT testing, career exploration, student housing, college survival skills, and test taking techniques.
- Workshops: Workshops will assist students and their parents in the areas of financial aid, career planning, preparation for ACT & SAT-9 testing, time management, long range planning, self-esteem, and appropriate social and work skills.
- Career Development: Career exploration will assist Talent Search students to determine their career goals through various interest & aptitude tests. They will also learn educational and skill requirements, job duties, and job market outlook for their field of study.
- Cultural Events: Talent Search students will have access to cultural events such as music, art, plays, and museums. Transportation will be arranged and provided by the Talent Search program.
- Financial Aid: Financial aid advising is available to Talent Search students and their families requiring assistance when applying for grants, scholarships, work study programs, and student loans.