Educational Talent Search

Overview

Educational Talent Search (ETS) can help. Our focus is helping students reach their college and career goals. Working one-on-one, our program counselors assist students by providing individualized mentorship including academic support, test preparation, study skills workshops, college and career exploration, and assistance with college admissions. Our students also participate in one-of-a-kind experiential field trips to colleges, university campuses and cultural centers.

Let North Central Florida Educational Talent Search (ETS) guide you through high school and into college or a vocational training program to reach your desired career. Meetings take place during regular school hours.

ETS currently serves 9 -12 grade high school students at Baker County High School, Bradford High School, Dixie County High School, Dunnellon High School, Fort White High School, Hawthorne High School, Lake Weir High School, North Marion High School, Union County High School and West Port High School.

Benefits of the ETS Program

1. Group and one-on-one mentorship
2. Guidance with course selection and choosing a career
3. New study skills, and strategies for effective test taking and how to deal with test anxiety
4. Tours to nearby colleges and universities campuses
5. Help with college admissions and scholarship searches
6. Assistance with financial aid forms and other college application documents

Eligibility Requirements

Educational Talent Search (ETS) gives special consideration to students who are income eligible and are potentially the first generation in their family to attend college. Students must demonstrate academic potential and have the desire to further their education during and after high school.

For more information or to apply for the program, contact your school's ETS coach or the ETS office.

Additional Information

Learn more about financial aid basics, and learn about standardized tests if you plan to attend a 4-year college or university.

Financial Aid Basics

Federal, state and local aid is available to help you afford a college education.

Federal student aid helps cover the cost of school expenses, including tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and transportation. There are three forms of federal student aid:

1. Grants, which provide money you do not have to pay back;
2. Work Study, which allows you to earn money while enrolled in college to help pay for your expenses; and
3. Loans, which you have to pay back upon graduation.

EVERYONE should apply for financial aid using the student.aid.gov online FAFSA application. Current seniors can apply for FAFSA anytime after October 1st of their senior year and should plan to have it submitted by December of their senior year. There are a few federal student aid programs that have limited funds, so be sure to apply as soon as you can once the FAFSA is available for the year you'll be attending school.

Remember do not pay to have an individual or company complete your FAFSA form or provide a scholarship search for you! This is a service that Upward Bound provides at no charge and we will also provide you with all the information you need to locate financial aid options on your own.

For more information, visit Filling out the FAFSA for more information.

Standardized Tests

2023-2024 ACT Dates and Deadlines
act.org/content/act/en/register-for-the-act.html

2023–2024 SAT Dates and Deadlines
satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/registration/dates-deadlines

ETS Resources

Here are some great resources to help you with your high school career and future plans!

Financial Aid/Scholarships

• Federal financial aid applications
• Florida Bright Futures applications
• To look for scholarships
• Scholarship scam warnings

College Entrance Exams:

• ACT information
• SAT information
• Sample questions for college entrance exams

General Student Advice and Information on Colleges and Financial Aid:

• Florida Shines
• Chegg
• Find Colleges and Scholarships

The colleges that make up the North Central Florida Educational Talent Search:

• Santa Fe College
• Florida Gateway College
• College of Central Florida

And to find out more about the TRIO program of the U.S. Department of Education:

• Visit Federal TRIO Programs

Contact Us