Getting to Know your DSLCC Educational Talent Search Program

Frequently Asked Questions

1.  What is Educational Talent Search (ETS)?

Funded through the Higher Education Act of 1965, Educational Talent Search is a Department of Education program designed to identify, prepare, and assist first generation students (as well as “stop-outs” who wish to return to college) with preparing for college and applying for college admission and financial aid.

2.  Who can be a member of Educational Talent Search?

Any student who is a first generation student, that is; does not have a parent or guardian in the home who has completed a Bachelor’s Degree (4 years), is eligible to be in ETS. ETS students must also have the ability to succeed in education beyond high school. 

3.  What services does ETS provide?

ETS works with students in small group and individual sessions to provide early college and career awareness activities, career and academic counseling, exposure to college campuses, assistance with college entrance preparation, and financial aid and college admissions application assistance.  ETS students may also be eligible for SAT, ACT, and college admission fee waivers.

4.  What schools does ETS serve?

ETS counselors work in all middle and high schools in Alleghany, Bath, and Rockbridge counties, as well as the cities of Buena Vista, Covington, and Lexington.  ETS also serves James River High School in Botetourt County. 

5.  How can I join Educational Talent Search?

Students and parents must fill out an ETS application.  The application can be obtained from any ETS counselor, the school Guidance Office, or by calling the ETS office in Rockbridge at 463-6644 or at DSLCC at 863-2874.  The application can also be downloaded from the ETS website at

http://www.dslcc.edu/PRESIDENT/continuing_ed/talentsearch/index.html

Educational Talent Search Objectives

The objectives for the ETS program are established by the Department of Education and are as follows:

I.  Ninety four percent (94%) of non-senior secondary participants served during each project period will be promoted to the next grade level at the end of each academic school year.

II. Ninety two percent (92%) of high school seniors (and their equivalents in alternative education programs) will graduate from secondary school or receive a certificate of high school equivalency during each project period.

III. Sixty percent (60%) of “college ready” participants will apply for financial aid during each project year.

IV. Sixty seven percent (67%) of “college ready” participants will apply for postsecondary school admission during each project period.

V.  Sixty percent (60%) of “college ready” participants will enroll in a program of postsecondary education during each project period (or during the next fall term).