TRiO Talent Search programs in Vancouver Public Schools are part of a family of free programs federally funded by the Department of Education and sponsored by WSU Vancouver. These programs are designed to motivate and support students for successful entry into, retention in, and completion of post-secondary education. TRiO Talent Search programs work with students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are low income, or who would potentially be the first in their family to earn a four-year college degree and need academic support in order to achieve their goal of post-secondary education.
The TRiO Talent Search programs in Vancouver enrolled students for the first time in January 2022. Funding for these programs is provided for five years through federal grants. The projects have an ambitious goal of serving 800 students each year from Fort Vancouver and Hudson’s Bay high schools and 200 students from Discovery and McLoughlin middle schools.
TRiO Talent Search offers a variety of fun experiential learning activities during the academic year, and some spring break and short summer programs. Talent Search staff, working collaboratively in the high schools, also provide academic support throughout the year, including: one-on-one tutoring, academic advising, college and career preparation, information on college admissions and financial aid, college tours, and opportunities for personal and leadership development.
Academic Assistance
- Academic advising
- Tutoring services at grade level in math and English
- College exploration
- SAT and ACT preparation
Self-Development & Enrichment
- Cultural enrichment activities and field trips
- College campus tours
- Educational success workshops
- Career exploration
Educational & Personal Resources
- Help applying to college
- Financial aid and scholarship support
- Financial literacy workshops
The TRiO Talent Search programs will help students achieve the following:
- Successful completion of rigorous courses to prepare for college coursework
- Competitive GPA
- State, ACT and SAT test scores at the college-ready level
- On-time graduation from high school
- Enter college the fall after high school graduation
- Graduate with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree within six years of high school graduation
Program Eligibility
You are eligible if:
- You are age 13 – 19 and enrolled as a 9th – 12th grader in Fort Vancouver or Hudson’s Bay high school
- You are age 13 – 14 and are enrolled as an 8th grader in Discovery or McLoughlin middle school
- Are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States
- Demonstrate academic need; indicate an interest in attending college; and make a commitment to remain active in TRiO Talent Search until high school graduation
Questions?
Contact the us at 360-546-9779 or van.trio@wsu.edu