Program Goal
The primary goal of the Educational Talent Search (ETS) and North Central Mass Educational Talent Search grants is to assist participants to successfully complete middle and high school and enroll in postsecondary education. Middle and high school students from four local districts continue to receive support from staff at Mount Wachusett Community College.
Talent Search offers services to nearly a thousand students, primarily in grades six through twelve, of whom at least two-thirds must be income-eligible and potential first-generation college students.
Activities
Both individual counseling and group activities provide participants of Talent Search with: academic, career, and personal development. Workshop topics include: enhancing study strategy techniques, selecting college-preparatory high school courses, completing career assessments, building self-esteem, preparing for the PSAT/SAT, transitioning to college, college admissions procedures, and completing financial aid forms.
- Enhancing study strategy techniques
- Selecting college-preparatory high school courses
- Completing career assessments
- Building self-esteem
- Preparing for the PSAT/SAT
- Transitioning to college
- College admissions procedures
- Completing financial aid forms
Early College Planning workshops are held for middle school families. Leadership conferences enhance student’s preparation for postsecondary education. Students also participate in various community service activities.
Participating Districts
Educational Talent Search (ETS) School Districts
- Fitchburg (Arthur M. Longsjo Middle School, Memorial Middle School, Fitchburg High School)
- Gardner (Gardner Middle School, Gardner High School)
- Leominster (Samoset Middle School, Sky View Middle School, Leominster High School)
North Central MA Talent Search (NCMTS) School Districts
- Fitchburg (Sizer)
- Athol (Athol Royalston Middle School, Athol High School)
- Winchendon (Murdock Middle/High School)
- Clinton (Clinton Middle and High School)
Specifically designed for disadvantaged students, ETS and NCMTS are one of the nationwide TRIO Programs created through federal legislation over 60 years ago. TRIO Talent Search participants represent a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Mount Wachusett Community College has administered the ETS program since Fall 1992 and the NCMTS since Fall 2012. ETS and NCMTS are 100% funded by the U.S. Department of Education. The current grant cycle for both programs is 9/1/2021– 8/31/2026. The total funding for the ETS grant is $400,973, annually and total funding for NCMTS is $288,470.00, annually.
The staff of ETS provides services to eligible participants. If you have a disability and may require accommodations in order to participate fully in program activities, please contact Ramon Gonzalez, Senior Director of College Access to discuss your specific needs at 978-630-9248.
Apply Today
Programming is based on the Target Schools listed above, apply to the application that corresponds with your students school.
NCMTS Application ETS Application