Educational Talent Search

Program Goal

The primary goal of the Educational Talent Search (ETS) grant 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 six hundred ninety-five (695) individuals, 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. 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.

  • 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

The school districts targeted in the grant include:

  • 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)

Specifically designed for disadvantaged students, ETS is one of the nationwide TRIO programs created through federal legislation over 40 years ago. TRIO participants represent a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Mount Wachusett Community College has administered the ETS program since Fall of 1992. ETS is 100% funded by the U.S. Department of Education. The total funding for this grant is $330,600 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, ETS Director to discuss your specific needs at 978-630-9248.

The primary goal of the Educational Talent Search (ETS) grant 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 six hundred ninety-five (695) individuals, primarily in grades six through twelve, of whom at least two-thirds must be income-eligible and potential first-generation college students. Click to learn more.

The school districts targeted in the grant include:

  • 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)

Application

Download Application (PDF) or click here to launch our web application.