Who is eligible to participate in Talent Search?
Students in grades 6-12 at one of the nine target schools who meet these criteria:

• Potential first-generation college students (neither parent has earned a bachelor's degree)
• Family income consistent with federal guidelines 
• Other as recommended by Outreach Advisor and slots are available

Are there any additional qualifications/requirements?

• Students must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Students must be capable of pursuing a rigorous curriculum in high school 
• Students must demonstrate good behavior 

How much does it cost for my student to participate in Talent Search?
There is no cost to participate in the program. All workshops, materials, services, and activities, including college campus visits and cultural/educational field trips are free to participants.

Are you recruiting for Gadsden State Community College?
No. Talent Search does not recruit for GSCC or any other post-secondary institution.

When do Outreach Advisors meet with participants? 
Meeting with participants take place at the target schools during the day. Outreach Advisors typically go to their schools one day each week and are available to meet with participants. Outreach Advisors will also meet with participants and their parents/families by appointment during on-campus office hours. 

Do you take students on field trips?
Yes. We offer several field trips for participants, including visits to college campuses and cultural trips.

Does Talent Search provide scholarships?
No. Talent Search participants are self-motived and determined. We do provide workshops related to scholarships, general financial aid procedures, along with other resources and information needed for students to search for and apply for scholarships and other types of financial aid. 

Does my student have to re-apply each school year?
No. Students remain in Talent Search from the time they are initially recruited and apply until they graduate high school. We ask that a Participant Update Form will be provided at the end of each school year to ensure that participants' addresses, phone numbers, emails, and other contact information remains current.

What happens if my student moves to another school?
Notify your new guidance Outreach Advisor that you were a Talent Search participant at your previous school. You may continue to receive Talent Search or other programs' services at your new school. Please let us know if your students changes school.  

Does my child need a special talent to participate?
No. Talent Search is not a talent contest. we target students believed to be capable of pursuing a rigorous curriculum who possess the academic talent and have a need for program services.

Does Talent Search offer tutoring? 
Yes. We provide on-campus and virtual Zoom tutoring (September-May) on Monday-Thursday evenings each week from 3:15-4:45 p.m. in our computer lab. Appointments are required for tutoring help. Students are encouraged to see their Talent Search Outreach Advisors for more information about tutoring.

21. If accepted into Talent Search, I, the student agree to: maintain at least a 2.0 GPA; attend and participate in scheduled meetings, workshops, tutoring, or other program sessions/offerings that may be relevant to me; have a desire to go to college; refrain from having discipline/behavior problems at school; show respect to myself and others; successfully be promoted to the next grade; attend school regularly; seek help from teachers/school staff and/or my Talent Search Outreach Advisor when needed; make every effort to enroll in college after high school graduation. 

32. PARENT'S AUTHORIZATION FOR RELEASE OF SCHOOL RECORDS:
I, the student's parent/guardian, am aware of my student's interest in Talent Search.  I hereby authorize the staff of the program to request information from and share information with my student's school, teachers, and Outreach Advisor. I grant permission for necessary school records to be released to program staff, including class schedules, report cards, transcripts, free/reduced lunch eligibility, contact information, disciplinary records, ADA information, FAFSA confirmation, iNow reports, etc.

PARENT'S AUTHORIZATION FOR RELEASE OF POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION RECORDS
I, the parent, hereby authorize any college(s) my student may attend to release to Talent Search staff, upon request, my student's college academic and enrollment information and student aid reports until my student completes a certificate or degree from said college.

PARENT'S AUTHORIZATION FOR STUDENT PARTICIPATION & PROMOTIONAL RELEASE
I, the parent, hereby give permission for my student to participate in Talent Search activities, which may include workshops on sensitive issues. I also consent to the use of my child's name, photograph and/or video recordings for editorial, educational, and/or promotional use by the Talent Search program.

CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT
I understand that Talent Search is a federal program authorized by the U.S. Department of Education. I also understand that the information I have provided will be used to document my student's eligibility for participation in the Talent Search program and that all information will be held confidential by Talent Search program staff.