Educational Talent Search (ETS) is a grant-funded program sponsored by the United States Department of Education.  ETS is one of five programs under the TRIO grants.  The TRIO programs (Education Talent Search, Upward Bound, Student Support Services, Educational Opportunity Centers, and Ronald McNair) are designed to help individuals enter college, graduate and become a productive citizen in their community.  Over 1,900 TRIO Programs currently serve 700,000 Americans between the age of 11 and 27.

The ETS program at Virginia Highlands Community College has been in existence for almost six years.  Six hundred (600) students, from fourteen targeted schools, participate in the program each year.

• Students grades 6 - 12 enrolled at one of the fourteen schools served by the ETS program.
• Students who meet Federal criteria for eligibility.
• Students who have the desire to continue their education after high school.

• Participate in recruitment meetings in the sixth grade.
• Any student 6-12 grade may get an application in the school guidance office or through the ETS office.
• Parents must complete an eligibility form.
• Return the application and parent form to your guidance counselor or mail it to the ETS office.
• You will receive a letter in the mail letting you know if you have been enrolled or placed on the waiting list.
• If you are enrolled, then you will receive notices about all the ETS activities.
• Once enrolled you are eligible to participate in all ETS activities until you graduate from high school.

Services Offered

Admissions Assistance:  ETS Advisors are available to help students with information about college requirements for admission.

Mentoring:  Representatives from local businesses meet with students to discuss education, work tasks and goals.

College Tour:  Visits to colleges are provided to all participants.  Students meet with college personnel, take campus tours and experience the college atmosphere.  Students learn about scholarships, financial aid, tuition costs, and college majors.

College Info:  Students receive college information during meetings; advisors assist students in choosing a college that will fit their personal preferences.

Financial Aid Assistance:  All ETS Seniors are provided assistance in completing financial aid applications.  ETS Advisors will contact financial aid officers at specific colleges to assist students with financial aid questions.

Personal Development:  ETS staff individualizes a program that will help students become more familiar with their interests, abilities, values, and goals.

SAT Prep:  Students have the opportunity to participate in workshops that provide sample SAT questions, hints about answering questions, and a chance to become more familiar with the testing process.

Study Skills Workshops:  Students will participate in workshops designed to build and enhance healthy study habits.  Students receive planning agendas and learn techniques to improve their skills.

Tutoring Services:  FREE tutoring is offered at the school sites.  Students who are having difficulty in one or more subjects may be referred to the tutoring program.  The student, guidance counselor, tutor and teachers work together to implement a tutoring plan for grade improvement.