(From Southern News Service)The Educational Talent Search program at Missouri Southern State University has received a federal grant of more than $1.5 million that will continue to fund the program for the next five years.
The grant is for $300,675 per year – for a total of $1,503,375 – and takes effect on Sept. 1.
Part of the federal TRIO programs, Talent Search serves students in grades 6 through 12, working to identify and assist students from disadvantaged backgrounds who have the potential to succeed in postsecondary education.
To be considered for the program, students must attend either the Joplin, Carl Junction, Carthage, Webb City or Sarcoxie school districts.
“We come into the schools and recruit students, almost like college recruiters,” said Jim Kimbrough, director of MSSU Talent Search. “We work to educate the students on what they need to do in high school to prepare for success in college.”
Participants are encouraged to enroll in challenging levels of study at the high-school level, and receive academic advising, tutoring, visits to college and university campuses, and opportunities for job shadowing and career exploration.
“There are also a lot of financial benefits,” said Kimbrough. “For example, they get fee waivers for taking the ACT, and have their application fees waived when they apply for college.”
Talent Search grants are awarded on a five-year basis. Kimbrough said the application – submitted in December 2020 – is data heavy and focuses on a demonstrated need for the program.
Institutions can receive bonus points which are added to their score by meeting or exceeding certain objectives, such as the percentage of students advancing from grade to grade, completing a rigorous curriculum, graduating from high school, enrolling in a two- or four-year college or university, and completing their postsecondary education.
“There are target goals for the objectives, and we exceeded each of those,” said Kimbrough.
For more information on MSSU’s Talent Search program, contact Kimbrough at 417-659-5441 or Kimbrough-J@mssu.edu.
“We come into the schools and recruit students, almost like college recruiters,” said Jim Kimbrough, director of MSSU Talent Search. “We work to educate the students on what they need to do in high school to prepare for success in college.”
Participants are encouraged to enroll in challenging levels of study at the high-school level, and receive academic advising, tutoring, visits to college and university campuses, and opportunities for job shadowing and career exploration.
“There are also a lot of financial benefits,” said Kimbrough. “For example, they get fee waivers for taking the ACT, and have their application fees waived when they apply for college.”
Talent Search grants are awarded on a five-year basis. Kimbrough said the application – submitted in December 2020 – is data heavy and focuses on a demonstrated need for the program.
Institutions can receive bonus points which are added to their score by meeting or exceeding certain objectives, such as the percentage of students advancing from grade to grade, completing a rigorous curriculum, graduating from high school, enrolling in a two- or four-year college or university, and completing their postsecondary education.
“There are target goals for the objectives, and we exceeded each of those,” said Kimbrough.
For more information on MSSU’s Talent Search program, contact Kimbrough at 417-659-5441 or Kimbrough-J@mssu.edu.
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