Seminole State College Focus/Educational Talent Search Application Form

Seminole State College
Focus / Educational Talent Search
Application Form
What is FOCUS / Educational Talent Search?

The Talent Search Program (FOCUS) identifies qualified youths with potential for education at the postsecondary level and encourages them to complete secondary school and undertake a program of postsecondary education.

Seminole State College’s FOCUS / Educational Talent Search Program, which has been assisting students in this area since 1991, is a free academic enrichment program you can join at your school. It is part of the TRiO Programs, which are funded by the U.S. Department of Education. During the school year your FOCUS / Talent Search Advisor will visit your school and meet with participants either in groups or individually.

What happens in the FOCUS / Educational Talent Search meetings?

Your FOCUS / Talent Search Advisors conduct workshops and activities that provide you with valuable information—but in fun ways. Not only do you learn about college, careers, study skills, and life skills, you improve your interpersonal skills by interacting with others.

How can FOCUS / Educational Talent Search help me? FOCUS / Educational Talent Search can provide you with the tools you need for a successful education and career. What if you …
- Need help with a class? FOCUS / Educational Talent Search will provide connections to high quality academic tutoring services.
- Don’t know how to study? FOCUS / Educational Talent Search will show you how to develop good study habits you’ll use for years to come.
- Are unsure about how to apply for college? FOCUS / Educational Talent Search can help you with the application process.
- Don’t know how you will pay for college? FOCUS / Educational Talent Search will assist you in finding sources of financial aid.
- Are confused about what career you want to pursue? FOCUS / Educational Talent Search can help you match your interests and abilities with a career that’s right for you!
How can FOCUS help me? Services and Possible Workshops

Tutoring High quality academic tutoring services (Tutor.com and in-person)
Focus on Your Future SMART goal setting, organizational skills, & tips for school success
Focus on the Test Practical hints and tips for studying and taking tests, like the ACT
Focus on the Money How much money will you need in the future?
Focus on Careers Make the most money AND find the most rewarding career
College Countdown Steps to get to and pay for college: applying, financial aid, etc.
STEM-tacular Summer! Learn about activities and careers in the STEM field
Influencers Summer Camp Leadership residential camp for 9th & 10th

How can I join FOCUS / Educational Talent Search?

Return this form to your school counselor, our office in Room 109 of SSC’s Scott Bldg., or mail directly to:

FOCUS / Educational Talent Search, Seminole State College, P.O. Box 351, Seminole, OK 74868

Please feel free to call (405) 382-9709 if you have any questions. We look forward to hearing from you!

Angela Harjo - Director

A Federally Funded Program

The SSC Talent Search Central Project is 100% federally funded in the amount of $388,326 annually.
The SSC Talent Search West Project is 100% federally funded in the amount of $277,375 annually.

Student Information
Student's Name*

First NameMiddle NameLast Name
Social Security Number
999-99-9999
Birth Date

MonthDayYear
mm-dd-yyyy
Mailing Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Student's Email*
example@example.com
Parent's Email
example@example.com
Parent's Telephone Number
(999)999-9999
Student Number
(999)999-9999

Would you like to receive text updates?

	Yes	No
Parent
Student

U.S. Citizen

YesNo
If no, please provide documentation of permanent residency

Browse Files

Cancelof
School
Grade
Gender

MaleFemale
Ethnic Background

African AmericanAsianWhiteHispanicAmerican IndianOther
If American Indian, what tribe?

With which adults does the student live? (Please check all that apply and provide names)

	I live with this adult	Name
Natural Mother
Natural Father
Step Mother
Step Father
Guardian(s)
Other

Number of people residing in household
Is the student a ward of the state?

YesNo
What are the names of other students in the household who participate in FOCUS / Educational Talent Search?
Please list any other federal program (i.e. Upward Bound, Gear Up) in which the studentparticipates.

Parent and Financial Information

Father's Educational Background

	Attended but did not receive diploma/degree	Graduated/Received Degree	GED (High School Only)
High School
2 Year College
4 Year College

Father/Male Guardian's Name

First NameLast Name
Place of Employment
If you are a guardian, have you legally adopted the student?

YesNo

Mother's Educational Background

	Attended but did not receive diploma/degree	Graduated/Received Degree	GED (High School Only)
High School
2 Year College
4 Year College

Mother/Female Guardian's Name

First NameLast Name
Place of Employment
If you are a guardian, have you legally adopted the student?

YesNo
Please note: Application cannot be processed without the following required information:
Were parents required to file a 2023 income tax return?

YesNo
If you checked Yes, please enter the amount of taxable income (income after deductions) from form 1040 (amount on line 15), or you may attach a copy of your federal income tax return).

Your taxable income is your income after deductions. Please note that we need tax information for the family living at the address listed on this application. (If you are unsure about your taxable income, please contact your tax professional.)
For IRS form 1040, list amount on line 15. This is your taxable income
Copy of federal income tax return

Browse Files

Cancelof
If you checked No (you were not required to file a tax return), please provide an estimate of your income for 2023
If you did not file a tax return, please indicate if you receive one or more of the following

Social SecurityUnemploymentRetirementChild SupportWelfare/Social ServicesVeterans BenefitsOther
Seminole State College’s FOCUS / Educational Talent Search Program is funded by the U.S. Department of Education. In order to receive the funds necessary to provide our participants with free services, we are required to obtain income information. We cannot accept participants without this information; however, eligibility is not determined solely from income. If you have questions about this form, please call our office (405)382-9709. This confidential information will not be released to anyone. You may also mail the application directly to our office if you prefer.
My student has applied for Oklahoma's Promise

YesNo
My signature indicates that the previous information is correct and complete to the best of my knowledge. (Parent signature mandatory for acceptance)
Parent/Guardian Signature*

Clear
Date*

MonthDayYear
mm-dd-yyyy

Release of Information Agreement
Student's Name

First NameLast Name
Social Security Number
999-99-9999
This document will authorize the Seminole State College FOCUS / Educational Talent Search Program to receive and/or release relevant academic records on the above student including, but not limited to, transcripts, test scores, online school portals, teacher evaluations, and other materials necessary for participation in FOCUS / Educational Talent Search. This release includes future college transcripts, admission applications, class schedules, financial aid documents (such as the FAFSA, student aid reports and scholarship award letters) and other postsecondary education records from the National Student Clearinghouse.

I understand that these records are confidential and protected under State and Federal Confidentiality regulations. These records will be used internally for evaluating the need for program services, setting academic goals and measuring progress toward meeting goals. This information is required to meet U.S. Department of Education regulations for the Talent Search Program.

Although this release may be revoked upon my written request, I agree that it shall be valid throughout my child’s participation in the FOCUS / Educational Talent Search Program and beyond for verification of postsecondary enrollment, academic progress, and graduation.
Parent Signature*

Clear
Student Signature*

Clear

Student Questionnaire
In order for FOCUS / Educational Talent Search to provide the best services possible to participants, we request that you answer the following questions about yourself. We want to help you achieve your goals!
Name

First NameLast Name
1. Do you like school? Please explain your answer.
2. What classes in school interest you most and why?
3. What classes in school are most difficult for you and why?
4. Would you like to have tutoring in a particular class (which one?)?
5. Are you able to study at home? Please explain your answer.
6. How often do you miss school?

NeverSometimesFrequently
7. Have you ever repeated a grade? (If yes, which one?)
8. Please indicate the areas in which you feel you need help. (Check all areas that apply)

Listening skillsNote takingReading a textbookTest-taking strategiesManaging your study timeThe college process (financial aid, applying to college, etc.)
9. Are you doing the best you can in school? If you had help, do you feel that you could do better? Please explain your answer.
10. What activities are you involved in at school or otherwise?

11. Choose three words to describe yourself.

	Word that describes you
1
2
3

12. What do you like to do in your spare time?
13. What are your plans after high school?

CollegeVo-techMilitaryJob
14. If you chose college, which one are you planning to attend?
15. What do you want to be when you grow up? (If you aren’t sure, list some things you have thought about)
1. What are 3 ways the coronavirus pandemic has changed your daily routine?
2. What are 3 goals you have for the upcoming school year?
3. How do you plan to achieve those goals?
4. What actor or actress would you play in a movie?
Student Signature

Clear