Talent Search

What is Talent Search?

Talent Search is one of eight Trio programs developed by the Federal government to help remove those barriers to higher education that are often faced by underserved populations (students who will be the first in their families to attend college, students who are from a low-income household). Talent Search and other Trio programs were authorized by the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 in response to President Lyndon Johnson’s War on Poverty. These Trio programs were the first national college access and retention programs to address these social, economic and cultural barriers.

What does Talent Search do?

Talent Search identifies and assists individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds 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 and continue on to and complete their postsecondary education. The goal of Talent Search is to increase the number of youth from disadvantaged backgrounds who complete postsecondary education.

Who Can Participate in Hamilton County Talent Search?

Since it was first funded in 2006, the Hamilton County Talent Search program has provided thousands of Hamilton County students with free college preparation assistance. Each year, our guidance staff serves more than 500 students (grades 6th-12th) in six Hamilton County schools: Orchard Knob Middle, East Lake Academy, Dalewood Middle, Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy, Howard High and Brainerd High.