The Hillsborough Community College Educational Talent Search (ETS) Program was established September 1, 2002. ETS is a federal TRIO program funded by the U.S. Department of Education and has recently been re-funded to operate for another 4 years starting September 1, 2007.

The Educational Talent Search program serves young people in grades 6 through 12. In addition to counseling, participants receive information about college admissions requirements, scholarships and various student financial aid programs. This early intervention program helps potential first generation college students from families with low income to better understand their educational opportunities.

ETS identifies and assists individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who have the potential to succeed in higher education. The program provides academic, career and financial counseling to its participants and encourages them to graduate from high school and continue on to the post-secondary institution of their choice.

Educational Talent Search also serves high school stop-outs by encouraging them to re-enter the educational system and complete their education.

All service provided by ETS are FREE.

Students must be between the ages of 11 and 27 and have completed the fifth grade.

Two-thirds (2/3) of the participants must be students who are low-income and potential first-generation college students.

Attend one of the 10 target schools (4 middle and 6 high schools).

Dropped out of high school and would like to work towards completing a H.S. or GED equivalency.