Talent Search is a free college access program funded by the U.S. Department of Education and is offered to 6th-12th grade students in the following school districts: OABCIG, Cherokee, MMC-RU, River Valley, Sgt. Bluff-Luton, Westwood, Whiting, West Monona, Boyer Valley, Denison,  MVAOCOU, and Charter Oak-Ute. Students meet with a Talent Search Educational Coordinator each month to complete academic sessions with topics including: 

  • Academic advising
  • Career search and exploration
  • Financial aid assistance
  • Individual mentoring
  • Tutoring services
  • Test prep
  • Social skills

Eligibility Requirements

To participate in the Talent Search Program, students must meet the following criteria: 

  • Enrolled in the 6th-12th grade at one of our service schools. Eighth-grade students may apply during the spring semester before their freshman year of high school.
  • Are first-generation college-bound (neither parent has earned a four-year college degree).
  • Meet the US Department of Education income guidelines.
  • Have a minimum 2.5 GPA.

Discover the TRIO Impact

Since 1998, WIT’s TRIO Talent Search program has helped students explore their options, prepare for their futures, and navigate the path to education and training after high school.

More than 21,756 students have been served through the program and continues to support more than 700 students each year as they explore their options and prepare for education, training, and careers after high school.

Explore real student stories and see how TRIO helps break down barriers, from first-generation college journeys to confidence building and beyond. Check out student stories & success highlights.

Funding Sources

The TRIO Talent Search program is federally funded by the United States Department of Education in the amount of $388,500 per year for a period of five years (September 1, 2026 - August 31, 2031) and serves 777 students in the following school districts: OABCIG, Cherokee, MMC-RU, River Valley, Sgt. Bluff-Luton, Westwood, Whiting, West Monona, Boyer Valley, Denison,  MVAOCOU, and Charter Oak-Ute.