Educational Talent Search (usually referred to as “Talent Search”) is one of several TRIO programs funded by the U.S. Department of Education. It is designed to help students graduate from high school and then go on to college or a technical/trade school. It is not a recruitment program for Oklahoma State University. The primary goal of the program is to help students find the educational and career path that is best suited for them. What does it mean to be a Talent Search participant? During the school year, the Talent Search coordinators visit program schools once a month and meet with participants either in groups or individually. Students are excused from class to attend these monthly “workshops” which are limited to one class period. The Talent Search staff work with the school administration in scheduling the workshops to ensure students are not pulled from core classes like math, science, and English. Our workshops focus on a variety of subjects; examples are listed below.
- Goal setting
- Career exploration
- College awareness
- Field trips and campus tours (taken during the summer months)
- Time management skills
- Tutoring
- Life skills training (ex.: decision making and money management skills)
- Information on educational opportunities after high school
- ACT preparation workshops and fee waivers
- Assistance with admissions, scholarships and financial aid applications
