Utah Tech University

Educational Talent Search

For Parents

What is Educational Talent Search (ETS)?

The goals of the ETS program are to help each student find success – academically and personally –  and to prepare them to continue on to post-secondary education (college, university, vocational school, etc.).

Utah Tech's ETS program serves 825 8th - 12th graders in Washington County

Our students are on track to be the first in their family to graduate from college/trade school! ETS’s free services and resources are designed to help them meet their goals.

ETS is fun!

ETS students have access to exciting workshops, cultural events, and college tours designed to help them develop the skills and confidence to pursue their goals.

ETS graduates are ready to succeed!

ETS students are more likely to graduate from high school and enroll in college than students from similar backgrounds who aren’t in ETS. (Pell Institute)

ETS Services & Resources

Skilled ETS Advisors

ETS advisors provide individual counseling and group activities that are designed to help ETS program students develop academically, socially, and civically.

They help ETS students discover their strengths, work through challenges, and set and pursue meaningful life goals.

In high school, ETS students will receive advisor support as they explore education and career paths, prepare applications for college/trade school admission, and apply for scholarships and federal aid.

College Tours & Cultural Events

Each year, ETS students have an opportunity to tour a different college or trade school. These trips also include cultural and STEM events.

ALL EXPENSES ARE PAID BY ETS!

Here’s a peek at the schedule:

8th Grade – Utah Tech University

9th Grade – Southern Utah University

10th Grade – Snow College

11th Grade – Overnight tour includes

  • Brigham Young University
  • Utah Valley University
  • University of Utah
  • Cultural Event

12th Grade – Dixie Tech

Activities & Workshops

ETS students participate in many fun and educational activities and workshops while in middle school and high school.

Workshop topics include:

Topics include:

  • Study Skills
  • Time Management
  • Setting Goals
  • Testing Well
  • Building Character
  • Learning from Challenges
  • Career Exploration
  • Money Management

Applying for College or Trade School

High school seniors are busy! ETS advisors will help them stay focused and meet important college and trade school deadlines.

They receive help with the following:

  • Researching college and trade school programs
  • Applying for admission
  • Choosing and registering for classes
  • Housing options
  • Connection with campus resources

College & Trade School Prep

There are many resources and programs that students can take part in while in middle and high school. ETS advisors help students explore and enroll in courses and programs that will give them a head start toward their goals.

Programs & resources include:

  • Concurrent Enrollment (college credit) courses
  • Internships
  • Technical school certificates
  • ACT preparation
  • ACT fee waivers (restrictions apply)

Finding and Securing Funding for College

Applying for college is easy. Sometimes finding the money to attend can be challenging. ETS advisors make it a priority to make sure that ETS students know how to secure funding for their college dreams.

ETS students will receive guidance in

  • Finding and applying for scholarships
  • Applying for federal grants (FAFSA)
  • Saving for college

Does your student qualify to be in ETS?

Helpful Resources

The ACT FAFSA - Federal Student Aid for Colleges and Trade Schools Financial Literacy You Science Keys to Success Occupational Outlook Handbook

Contact

Meet Our Team

Craig Harter

TRiO Pre-College Programs Director

Email: Craig.Harter@utahtech.edu

Phone: 435-652-7659

Office: Browning 211A

Connie LaClare

TRiO Pre-College Programs Administrative Assistant

Email: Connie.Laclare@utahtech.edu

Phone: 435-652-7852

Office: Browning 211