Educational Talent Search at UC Clermont College Receives Five-Year Grant

The Educational Talent Search (ETS) program at UC Clermont College received a $1,402,500 grant to continue services through 2011 from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of TRIO Programs.

Educational Talent Search at UC Clermont encourages and enhances the intellectual, cultural and social development of middle and high school students in Clermont County through learning experiences that supplement the school experience and promote participation in postsecondary education. ETS serves 650 students each year in eight school districts in Clermont County. 

While most TRIO Talent Search grants are for four years, applicants like UC Clermont who score in the highest 10 percent of approved applications receive a five-year grant. Scores are based on the application and on prior experience points that are awarded for successful completion of program objectives. “The success of our staff and students in achieving our objectives has made it possible for us to receive this recognition,” said Dan Schneider, Academic Director who has been at UC Clermont for almost eight years. The ETS staff members include Kimberly Ellison, Cindy Leibold and Shari Taylor, Educational Advisors, and Eden Dine and Jane Gjessing, Academic Tutors.

ETS services and activities include monthly workshops at the schools in such areas as goal setting, decision making, study skills and career exploration, academic tutoring, cultural field trips, college visits, ACT preparation, participation in student leadership conferences, assistance in applying for college and for financial aid, community service, summer programs for middle school students and a summer overnight college visit for high school students. All services are free to participants.

Thousands of students have participated in ETS at UC Clermont since 1995, and the overwhelming majority of ETS high school graduates have gone on to postsecondary education. Comments from current student evaluations of the program best illustrate the impact that participation in ETS has on students. One sixth grader wrote, “I learned that you can be good at whatever you put your mind to. You can go to college.” A ninth grader wrote, “I learned that if you don’t take the first step, you won’t get anywhere else in your life.” A senior said, “I learned that I can do anything I put my mind to.” Another senior said, “Many people at first don’t want to go to college, but ETS makes it possible.” A sophomore wrote, “I love ETS! I love the feeling and the mood. It is so positive. It gives me all the options for my future!”

For more information, contact the Educational Talent Search office at (513) 558-7432 or visit ETS on the web:

ucclermont.edu/trio/eweb