Hampton University to receive nearly $2 million from the Department of Education for Talent Search program

HAMPTON
Hampton University Educational Talent Search has received funding from the U.S. Department of Education for $1.9 million. Talent Search was designed to assist participants in completing high school and pursuing post-secondary educational or training opportunities On July 18, the U.S. Department of Education announced the first slate of Talent Search awards in the amount of $127 million to 405 colleges and universities awarding a $1,931,990 continuation grant to fund Hampton University’s Talent Search program from September 1, 2016 – August 31, 2021. Six other colleges in Virginia also received funding.

Talent Search, one of seven Federal TRIO Programs funded through the U.S. Department of Education to increase the number of target area secondary school graduates who complete a rigorous secondary program of studies and subsequently enroll in a postsecondary degree program, has been an integral part of the Hampton University community for more than 40 years.
Awarded through a competitive process, the federal grant enables Hampton University to serve 810 low-income and/or first generation participants from the following Hampton City Schools: Bethel, Hampton, Kecoughtan, and Phoebus High Schools, and Andrews, Davis, Eaton, Lindsay, and Syms Middle Schools.

“When we drafted the program design for the new Talent Search program, it was very important to utilize embedded counselors in each target school to monitor academic progress towards standard and advanced diploma completion and assist with pre-college planning and college course selection,” said Mikael Davis, Director of Student Support Services at Hampton University. “We prioritized bi-weekly tutoring by school based teachers to improve academic achievement in core subjects of highest need.”

The Hampton University Talent Search program identifies and assists individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who have the potential to succeed in higher education. The program provides academic, career, financial counseling, publicizes the availability of financial aid, and assist participant with the postsecondary application process. Projects provide tutorial services, career exploration, aptitude assessments, counseling, mentoring programs, workshops, information on postsecondary institutions; education or counseling services designed to improve the financial and economic literacy of students.

Services provided by the program include; academic, financial, career, or personal counseling including advice on entry or re-entry to secondary or postsecondary programs, career exploration and aptitude assessment, tutorial services. The program also prepares students for education outside of the program by providing information on postsecondary education, exposure to college campuses, information on student financial assistance, assistance in completing college admissions and financial aid applications, assistance in preparing for college entrance exams.