Western Iowa Tech Community College was awarded a five-year federal TRIO grant on Aug. 30 totaling $1,942,500 to continue its Talent Search program, providing college and career preparation services to students in 11 rural northwest Iowa school districts.
Talent Search will receive $388,500 annually for five years, from 2026 through 2031, subject to continued federal appropriations. The program serves more than 777 students in grades six through 12 each year, with a focus on students from low-income families and those who would be the first generation in their families to attend college.
Through Talent Search, students receive free academic advising, tutoring, FAFSA and financial aid assistance, college admissions support, career planning, and guidance on education and workforce training pathways. The new grant also emphasizes postsecondary options including Registered Apprenticeships, distance learning and industry-recognized credentials.
Western Iowa Tech has operated the TRIO Talent Search program for more than 28 years, reaching more than 21,756 students.
"Our students are future doctors, teachers and engineers of these rural communities. They are proof that the ZIP code they live in doesn't define their destiny,” said Kathy Lehmann, Western Iowa Tech Director of Talent Search/Upward Bound. "Our students are determined. They overcome significant obstacles to achieve long-term academic and personal success.”
Talent Search alumna Carina Nolasco experienced that support firsthand. She joined TRIO as an eighth-grade student in the Denison Community School District and remained involved through high school. As a first-generation college student, Nolasco began her college journey at Western Iowa Tech before transferring to Iowa State University. She worked full time throughout college while navigating the financial and personal challenges of earning her degree. Today, she works in regional planning with the Northwest Iowa Planning & Development Commission.
"Without TRIO, I would not be where I am today,” Nolasco said. "TRIO became a constant support system in my life from 8th grade all the way through high school graduation. My counselors and peers became a second family who believed in my potential and pushed me to succeed.”
For current Talent Search students, that support is helping them see what is possible after high school. "TRIO gives me hope. Hope in knowing that I am capable and able to further my education. Hope in knowing that TRIO will provide support and guidance to help me achieve my dreams,” said Chloe Wanberg, a 12th-grade student at MVAO High School.
Talent Search is part of Western Iowa Tech's broader TRIO programming, providing academic support, mentorship, and college and career planning to help students prepare for education and opportunities beyond high school.
For more information about Talent Search and Western Iowa Tech's TRIO programs, visit witcc.edu/trio or contact Katherinne (Kathy) Lehmann, Director of TRIO Talent Search and Upward Bound, at Katherinne.Lehmann@witcc.edu or 712-317-3259.