Educational Talent Search

Quality Life After High School

The Educational Talent Search Program at Polk State College was established on September 1, 1998, and is funded through the U.S. Department of Education. ETS is a free comprehensive intervention program. Talent Search is designed for students in grades 6 through 12 to help them succeed in graduating from high school and preparing them for continued education. The staff of the program advises and assists students with the process of entering college or a post-secondary program of their choice.   

Why is ETS important?

ETS is important because it identifies and assists students from disadvantaged backgrounds who have the potential to succeed in higher education. The Talent Search staff provides academic, career, and financial aid counseling to program participants, motivating them to better understand their educational opportunities and options.

Services include:

• Academic needs assessment
• Personal attention
• Career and college exploration
• Tutoring, study skills, and test anxiety workshops
• ACT and SAT preparation
• Assistance in completing college admissions applications
• Assistance in completing financial aid applications
• Assistance in scholarship searches
• Field trips to community colleges and universities
• Cultural enrichment field trips
• Continuous, sequential services from 6th through 12th grade
• Services for students and adults re-entering school

Criteria: The federal government mandates that two-thirds of the students served by ETS must be low-income and first generation.

Who is welcome to apply?

All students in the ten targeted schools are welcome to apply. Educational Talent Search will give special consideration to students who will be the first in their families to achieve a four-year college degree and meet certain income requirements. Students must demonstrate academic potential and be motivated to succeed in reaching their educational goals.

Contact ETS by email at prodriguez@polk.edu or phone: 863-297-1097.