Application for admission to the TRIO Talent Search Program through Illinois Eastern Community Colleges is open to students in specified target junior high and high schools in Clay, Crawford, Edwards, Jasper, Lawrence, and Richland counties. According to the guidelines set forth by the U.S. Department of Education, an individual is eligible to participate in a Talent Search project if the individual meets the following requirements:
Is a citizen or national of the United States; Is a permanent resident of the United States; Is in the United States for other than a temporary purpose and provides evidence from the Immigration and Naturalization Service of his or her intent to become a permanent resident; Is a permanent resident of Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (Palau); or Is a resident of the Freely Associated States—the Federated States of Micronesia or the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
Has completed five years of elementary education or is at least 11 years of age but not more than 27 years of age. An individual who is more than 27 years of age may participate in a Talent Search project if the individual cannot be appropriately served by an Educational Opportunity Center project under 34 CFR part 644 and if the individual’s participation would not dilute the TS project’s services to individuals described above.
Is enrolled in or has dropped out of any grade from 6 through 12, or has graduated from secondary school; or has undertaken, but is not presently enrolled in, a program of postsecondary education,
A veteran as defined in §643.6(b), regardless of age, is eligible to participate in a Talent Search project if he or she satisfies the eligibility requirements found above other than the age requirement.
Priority is given to Low Income First Generation Students Low Income – Meet Family Taxable Income guidelines as established by the U.S. Department of Education. First Generation – Natural or adoptive parents did not receive a bachelor’s degree Two-thirds of all Talent Search participants must meet these guidelines Has a need for academic support as determined by the TRiO Talent Search program, in order to successfully pursue a program of education beyond high school.
2015 - 2016 Talent Search Application