The University of Georgia’s TRIO Talent Search program has received federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education to continue helping students in local communities access and succeed in higher education. The five-year grant, renewed in August, will provide $481,937 annually to further the program’s efforts to help students prepare for higher education and future career opportunities.
TRIO Talent Search serves middle and high school students that have been historically underrepresented in higher education and have the potential to succeed. The program helps participants prepare for life after high school through academic and career guidance and financial counseling. By connecting students with these resources, TRIO Talent Search aims to help more participants complete high school, enroll in postsecondary education and continue toward earning a degree or credential.
At UGA, TRIO’s Talent Search program is housed in the Office for Student Success and Achievement (OSSA), which supports programs and initiatives focused on helping students access educational opportunities and achieve their academic goals.
“We are incredibly grateful and excited to receive this renewal and to continue the important work of TRIO Talent Search,” said Sherontae Maxwell, assistant director for access at OSSA.
“This funding represents continued opportunities for our students and families. We are thankful for the opportunity to continue this work and excited about what is ahead for our students,” she said.
The grant will allow TRIO Talent Search to maintain its services for participating students and families at a time when college access programs are facing changes in the higher education and federal funding landscape. By continuing to offer its services at no cost to participants, the program can provide consistent guidance and resources as students plan for their next steps after high school.
About OSSA
OSSA, a unit of the Office of Instruction, supports students throughout their academic journey by providing programs and services including public speaking support, resources for first-generation students, academic success courses and more. For more information, visit ossa.uga.edu.
