Education Talent Search
What is Educational Talent Search?
Educational Talent Search (ETS) is a TRiO program federally funded via Berea College and works under Strategic Initiatives. Our four counselors serve Clay County High School, McCreary Central High School, Pulaski County High School, and Southwestern High School as well as the sister middle schools. The program's goal is to assist high-achieving, first-generation, low-income students in this region with tools and skills to get them through high school and on to some version of post-secondary education. ETS helps students explore post-secondary options while exposing students to educational activities, college campuses, financial aid workshops, college fairs, application workshops, and more. This branch of ETS serves about 800 students in 8th-12th grade. ETS is funded for 2022-2027 and is currently working towards the next five-year grant cycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Focus Areas
College Planning
If you’re thinking about going to college, that’s great! There’s no better way to prepare for a bright future than to continue your education.
Here are some things you can do this year to plan and prepare for college. Do the following and you will be on your way to achieve your college goals!
- Work hard in your classes.
- Now that you’re a freshman, everything counts. Your freshman grades will be used to calculate your grade point average (GPA) and all your freshmen courses, grades and credits will be on your transcript (official copy of your high school record).
Make a four-year high school plan.
- Meet with your guidance counselor to make a four-year high school plan, list the courses you intend to take each year of high school and know what courses are needed for an academic high school diploma. If you want to go to college, it is recommended to try to include advance classes that would make you stand out from your peers.
Be involved and develop your interest.
- Participate in school activities or clubs. If you have a specific interest, talent, or passion, take time this year to develop it.
Think about what’s important to you.
- Do you want to go to a two-year or a four-year college? A college close to home? A specific college major?
Think about what you might want to study.
- In college you will choose one subject to study-this will be your major. Start thinking about your interest, talent, and abilities in terms of possible majors.
Start thinking about making informal college visits.
- Visiting different colleges is a great start to know where you might want to go to college and what being in college looks like.
Talk to your family and your counselor and let them know that you want to go to college. Ask for their help and support.
To learn more about being a first generation college student and resources for you in college, visit the following links for specific schools.
