• TRIO TALENT SEARCH PROGRAM Enrollment Application

  • Dear Applicant:

     

    TRIO Talent Search is a federally-funded educational program serving students in grades six through twelve who are enrolled in, or who live within, in the following school districts.

     

    1. Cardington-Lincoln

    2. Elgin

    3. Kenton

    4. Marion City

    5. Ridgedale

     

    Select adult students under the age of 27 may also qualify for Talent Search services.

     

    Talent Search is funded through a grant from the U.S. Departments of Labor and Education and is administered by Marion Technical College. The purpose of the program is to support participants in pursuing postsecondary education and career opportunities after high school graduation. As a federally-funded program, Talent Search does not recruit for a specific college, university, or other educational institution.

    To determine eligibility, a completed application is required. At least two-thirds of the participants selected for the Talent Search Program must be both income eligible and potential first-generation college students (meaning neither parent or custodial parent has earned a bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university).

    Participants must also meet applicable federal eligibility requirements, which may include requirements related to citizenship, school enrollment, age, and/or veteran status. In addition, all participants must demonstrate a need for the services provided by the Talent Search Program.

    Once enrolled in the program, ALL services are FREE to program participants!

    Program services include:

    · Academic, college & career advising

    · Tutoring

    · Career information and exploration activities

    · ACT/SAT information and preparation

    · College planning, including application assistance

    · FAFSA, financial aid, and scholarship application assistance

    · Financial literacy

    · Campus visits to colleges and universities

    · Connections to job shadowing opportunities

    · Support with resume and cover letter writing

    A participant agreement must be completed each academic year. These guidelines are important, and following them helps ensure continued participation in the program.

    For more information email triotalent@mtc.edu. A paper application is available upon request.

    We’re excited to support you on your path to academic and career success!

    Sincerely,

     

    Sara Molski

    Director, TRIO Talent Search Program

    Marion Technical College

    • APPLICANT INFORMATION 
    • Today's Date*
       - -
      2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit year
    • Date of Birth*
       - -
      2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit year
    • Gender:*
    • US Citizen?*
    • Veteran?*
    • Limited proficiency with English language?*
    • Accommodation(s) needed?*
    • How would you describe yourself (select all that apply)?*
    • Receiving special services at the school?*
    • Is the applicant currently enrolled in any other TRIO, or federally funded, programs? Previous MTC TRIO Talent Search participants are not considered currently enrolled in the program.*
    • If yes, what program?*
    • Complete this box only if you are not currently enrolled in middle or high school: 
    • What is your current status?*
    • *FOR APPLICANTS UNDER THE AGE OF 18: 
    • Student Resides with:*

    • Please provide the contact information for whom the student resides.

    • Is the student a foster child? If yes, please have the student’s case worker complete this application and provide required documentation.*
    • PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY 

    • The following determines whether or not the applicant meets federal income guidelines:

      The personal information that you give to the Talent Search (TS) Program is required by the U.S. Departments of Education and Labor. No one may see the information unless they work with or for the TS program or the U.S. Department of Education/Labor. The General Education Provision Act (Private Rights of Parents and Students) or more generally known as the Buckley Amendment, offers parents the option of sending their financial information under separate cover (i.e. this page may be detached and sent separately from the student’s application) and such information shall be confidential and not available to the student. This information is necessary to determine if you are eligible to participate in the TS program. The student is not eligible for TS services unless this information is provided.

       

      The figures shown under family income represent amounts equal to 150 percent of the family income levels established by the Census Bureau for determining poverty status. The 2026 poverty guidelines were published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in the Federal Register on January 15, 2026, and are effective as of January 13, 2026.

    • Please indicate the level of your Total Family TAXABLE Income for 2025. ***This is your income AFTER taxes. *** If this form is submitted after January 2027, your family’s 2026 income information will be required. Again, please provide your income AFTER taxes*
    • The following defines “first generation” status for the applicant: Has the applicant or either parent/guardian received a four-year degree from a college or university?*
    • NEED FOR TALENT SEARCH SERVICES: Please indicate the areas in which you (the student) most need assistance*
    • I hereby grant permission for the MTC TRIO TS program to use the applicant’s quotes, photos, and/or videos with the right to reproduce them in any informational, advertising or promotional materials. I agree that if I do not want my picture or name posted publicly, I will let the TRIO TS staff know.*
    • I authorize the staff members of Marion Technical College’s Talent Search (TS) program to obtain documents relative to and consistent with my/the student’s education. Such documents include but are not limited to: grade cards, school transcripts, test scores, and school lunch program eligibility. In accordance with the Family Educational and Privacy Rights Act (FERPA) (20.U.S.C Section 1232g), I authorize Talent Search to obtain information related to my/the student’s application for college admission and acceptance status, financial aid application (FAFSA), and award letter at any and all colleges and universities, as well as current enrollment status and/or number of credits enrolled. I authorize TS to release or to obtain information from any agency or program providing supplemental educational services. I give permission for the student to participate in any TS activities (including those that involve travel). I authorize TS to obtain the above information once accepted into the program and throughout his/her post-secondary education. I understand that TS will report statistical data to the U.S. Department of Education in accordance with grant funding regulation regarding end of year reporting.*
    • ********SIGNATURES ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS*********  
    • Date*
       - -
      2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit year
    • Date*
       - -
      2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit year
    • PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT  

    • In order for me to meet the goals of the Talent Search program, I have or plan to graduate from high school and will continue on to some type of education after high school. I agree to the following guidelines that will help me meet these goals and will try to the best of my ability, to follow them throughout the school year. I understand that I will be placed on probation, and possible termination, with TS if my Advisor feels I am not abiding by this agreement.

       

      I will:

      1. Attend school regularly and be on time, if applicable

       

      2. Participate in class by being an active listener and taking part in discussions,

       

      3. Work with a TS advisor to create academic goals and work to accomplish objectives,

       

      4. Set aside quiet time to study daily and complete all homework and classroom assignments,

       

      5. Discuss my school day with my parents/guardians daily, if applicable

       

      6. Talk to my teachers and TS Advisor about academic concerns,

       

      7. Participate in TS meetings with Advisor during office hours, in group lessons/meetings, college field trips and other TS sponsored events,

       

      8. Attend the TS field trip/activity if I turn in a permission slip. If I cannot attend, I will call ahead and cancel. Failure to show up/cancel could result in the loss of field trip privileges,

       

      9. Encourage parents/guardians to attend TS meetings,

       

      10. Take messages, permission forms and notices home and return them ON TIME if needed,

       

      11. Attend recommended tutoring activities,

       

      12. Agree to receive text messages and emails about the program,

       

      13. When college ready, provide copies of financial aid application confirmation and college acceptance letters,

       

      14. Behave in a respectful manner during ALL TS activities.

    • Date*
       - -
      2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit year
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