Our Mission
We equip and guide students to believe in themselves, to broaden their vision of the future, and to impact the world positively.

About Us
TRIO Talent Search is a free college access and completion program that helps Abilene Independent School District students plan for college, discover their career paths, apply to schools, and maximize financial aid. We support students who will become the first in their families to attend college.

What We Do
Students turn in an application for the program as early as the 6th grade and must have a strong desire to attend college. Then, Talent Search advisors select students for the program and continue to work with those students until enrollment in college. The advisors provide workshops and enrichment services, which help create an environment where the students can recognize their abilities to shape and mold their futures. The majority of Talent Search activities are conducted at school during regular school hours. Students are called from class for Talent Search participation in group and individual sessions.

Local and statewide post-secondary colleges are explored to provide opportunities that align with each student’s interests. For each participant, an emphasis is placed on graduation from high school and enrollment in an academic or vocational post-secondary program. 

History
Talent Search (TS) began at ACU in 2002. Talent Search serves students in the Abilene Independent School District in grades 6-12, which includes all four middle schools and Abilene High and Cooper. TS provides enrichment activities to disadvantaged students to encourage their completion of high school as well as entrance to and success in higher education. This program is funded to serve over 500 students per academic year. Funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act, this federal program is one of the nine TRIO programs that exist across the United States.