August 23, 2002 UNT Inhouse publication: Talent Search funded for five more years

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Talent Search funded for five more years

For the first time, UNT's Talent Search program has been awarded funding for five years by the U.S. Department of Education. Only the top 10 percent of proposals are awarded an additional fifth year of funding; most only receive funding for four years.

The funding proposal was submitted last October and was reviewed by a panel of three and scored on a 100-point scale. All three panel members gave UNT's proposal a score of 100.

"Our entire Talent Search staff and administrative services officer worked tirelessly to put together a proposal that addressed each section outlined by the Talent Search regulations," says Kathy Taylor, director of Talent Search. "It was a well-written, well-thought-out, eye-catching document."

The Talent Search program began in 1985 under the TRIO Center for Student Development. The program focuses on students in grades six through 12 from low-income families in which neither parent has a college degree. Talent Search encourages students to graduate from high school and enroll in higher education.

Representatives from UNT visit 15 schools in Denton, Cooke and Wise counties to offer support, encourage students and provide information about college admission requirements and financial aid opportunities.

"The benefit of our program to students is that they receive information about college and encouragement to attend that they might not be receiving at home," Taylor says.

Since 1985, UNT's program has grown to serve an estimated 950 students annually.