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)

Free ETS Resources & Activities

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.

ACTIVITIES & WORKSHOPS

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

Workshop topics include:

Topics include:

  • Study Skills
  • Time Management
  • Money Management
  • Setting & Achieving Goals
  • Testing Strategies
  • Building Character
  • Learning from Challenges
  • Leadership
  • Career Exploration
  • College/Trade School Admission
  • Financial Aid & Scholarships
  • & MORE!

COLLEGE TOURS & SPECIAL 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 to Northern Utah schools

12th Grade – Dixie Tech

COLLEGE & TRADE SCHOOL PREPARATION

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
  • Advanced Placement (college credit) courses
  • Internships
  • CTE & GE certificates
  • ACT preparation
  • ACT fee waivers (restrictions apply)

ASSISTANCE WITH 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
  • Comparing housing options
  • Connecting with campus resources

ASSISTANCE WITH FINDING & SECURING MONEY FOR COLLEGE OR TRADE SCHOOL

Finding the money to attend college can be challenging. ETS advisors make it a priority to make sure that ETS students know how to secure funding for their college dreams. Our hope is that ETS students will graduate from college or trade school with little or no debt.

ETS students will receive guidance in the following areas:

  • Saving for college
  • Finding and applying for scholarships
  • Applying for federal grants (FAFSA)
  • Understanding their chosen institution’s financial aid processes

The ETS Mission: Increasing Access to Post-Secondary Education

ETS students are introduced to career options and post-secondary educational opportunities in fun and age-appropriate ways. This approach often leads students to be more curious and confident as they move through secondary school and on to pursue their educational and career paths.

Our ETS grant requires that 2/3 of our ETS students are both First Generation and Income-Qualified, but there are several other ways that students might qualify. We encourage you – parents/guardians – to read the qualification categories below to see if your student might qualify for ETS.

Does Your Student Qualify for ETS?

If neither of the student’s biological or adoptive parents have a bachelor degree, then the student will qualify as a First Generation college student. (Note: This does not include legal guardians or step-parents.)

If a student’s household income meets TRiO Program income thresholds, it is likely the student will qualify for our ETS program.

A student can qualify for ETS if s/he:

  • is living with people other than biological or adoptive parent(s); or
  • is living in someone else’s residence (or sharing a residence) – with or without biological or adoptive parent(s); or
  • is certified as homeless by the student’s school counselor.

A student might qualify for ETS if s/he has a documented learning or physical disability and the goal of going to trade school or a university.

A student can qualify for ETS if s/he:

  • is living with a legal guardian; or
  • is in foster care; or
  • is a ward of the state.

Helpful Resources

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