Talent Search is a federal TRIO program funded through the US Department of Education. Eight programs under the TRIO umbrella are designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. President Lyndon Johnson, promoting quality education for all, introduced the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, which created TRIO Programs. Upward Bound was the first TRIO program, followed by Talent Search in 1965. Talent Search, the only TRIO program working with middle school youth, targets individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who have the potential to succeed in a post-secondary environment. NCMC proudly hosts 3 TRIO programs: Student Support Services, Upward Bound, and Talent Search. During the 2024-2025 school year, the Talent Search grant will be rewritten and submitted in a competitive renewal process.
NCMC Talent Search works with St. Joseph School District youth, grades 6 through 12, and strives to provide opportunities and activities students might not otherwise experience. Career and cultural field trips/experiences are part of program offerings. Other services are tutoring, academic advising, career exploration, summer camps, and engaging activities to foster financial literacy, study skills, STEM concepts, and life and career skills. As youth enter high school, added services are class selection advice, ACT prep workshops, financial aid assistance, college visits, and other college prep and transition assistance.
Entering the fourth year in the St. Joseph School District and serving over 500 students, the Talent Search mission stays the same: help youth develop skills and acquire knowledge needed to succeed in a post-secondary environment and become productive citizens with enjoyable, successful careers. All activities and assistance offered by Talent Search remain important, but the by-products of TS services offered are even more important. Research shows youth with one or more caring adult relationships are more likely to grow into productive adults. Impactful relationships have been seen as the Talent Search advisors become more than workshop leaders; they become mentors and guides for the academic and personal pursuits of their Talent Search students.
Career exploration is part of all Talent Search experiences. Many activities and summer camps help Talent Search students explore various interests and careers related to those interests. Assisting students to find their spark and work towards a rewarding career remains one of the best parts of the Talent Search program. Talent Search activities work to build students’ self-worth and self-confidence in all areas. Talent Search staff continue to be rewarded by seeing students grow in knowledge and abilities, self-esteem, and confidence.
Reflecting on the first three years of the Talent Search program in the St. Joseph School District, the most important aspect of the Talent Search program continues to be the hope that is instilled in students. A majority of First-Generation students don’t believe they can succeed in higher education pursuits. Helping students believe in themselves and their ability to succeed in higher education while helping them navigate towards goals and enabling them to be productive citizens in careers they enjoy remains one of the main objectives of the Talent Search program.
For more information about the Talent Search program, call (816) 341-6563 or email [email protected].