Trio Talent Search Program (Orange & Newark) – Center for PreCollege Programs

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Talent Search is a TRIO Program that Works! How? Talent Search provides opportunities to Target School Students who want to prepare for higher education by completing their college degree & preparing for a future career.

The Talent Search Program (TS) is a part of the Center for PreCollege Programs (CPP) at Rutgers University-Newark and is funded through the United States Department of Education. The goal of Talent Search is to identify and assist individuals from underserved backgrounds within target areas, who have the potential to succeed in higher education. The program provides academic, career, and financial counseling to its participants and encourages them to graduate from high school, continue on to, and complete their postsecondary education. Talent Search also encourages persons who have not completed education programs to enter or reenter and complete postsecondary education.

TALENT SEARCH EAST F.A.Q.

What Schools/School Districts are served by the Talent Search Program?
- Five hundred students will be served from the following target schools:
  - Newark School District
    University High School (Grades 7-12)
    American High School (Grades 9-12)
    First Avenue School (Grades 6-8)
  - Orange School District
    Orange High School (Grades 10-12)
    Orange Preparatory Academy (Grades 8-9)
    Cleveland Street School (Grades 6-7)
    Lincoln Avenue School (Grades 6-7)
    Park Avenue School (Grades 6-8)

How will the Talent Search Program help students graduate from high school and enroll/complete a college education?
- The TS Program helps participants by providing the following:
  - Orientation, academic preparation, and activities (college tours, academic enrichment trips, etc.) will be provided to all grade levels
  - Workshops covering a variety of topics including but not limited to financial aid, the college application process, and HSPA/SAT preparation will be provided to all participants and their parents
  - Advisement and Counseling to ensure students are taking the rigorous courses required for college entry
  - TS staff will work closely with East Orange Administrators to assist in monitoring participants grades and to ensure a strong partnership between the CPP’s Talent Search Program, the School Districts, students and parents
  - Information on the full range of federal student financial aid programs/benefits, resources for locating public and private scholarships, and assistance in completing the FAFSA.
  - Guidance on and assistance in entry into postsecondary education, secondary school reentry, alternative education programs for secondary school dropouts that lead to receipt of diploma, entry into GED.

How can a student qualify for Talent Search Program?
- In order to qualify for the TS Program, students must:
  - Be between the ages of 11-27 and have completed the fifth grade
  - Have a minimum 2.5 GPA, be in good academic standing, or in need of services.
  - Be a potential first-generation college student, that is, no parent(s) or guardian(s) has a four-year college degree from a college or university.
  - Be highly recommended by a teacher and/or school administrator
  - Have full support and participation of parent(s)/guardian(s)
  - Participate in all required programs and activities
  - Agree to submit a completed application and meet the financial guidelines
  - Agree to submit all requested information and documents up to six years after high school graduation