Projects in 25 States and Puerto Rico Awarded Share of $14 Million in Trio Talent Search Grants, Aiming to Increase Access to Higher Education

Editor's note: A program in your state is among the list of awarded grantees. See list at the bottom for reference.

The U.S. Department of Education today announced the award of $14.2 million for 43 new awards under the Talent Search program. These five-year grants will help more than 32,000 young people in 25 states and Puerto Rico gain the skills and knowledge they need to enroll in and complete secondary school and postsecondary education.

"The Talent Search program supports students facing difficult challenges and gets them back on track to finish high school and enroll in higher education," said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. "Through these grants, thousands of students will increase their chances of earning advanced degrees and going on to join the workforce, helping attain critical, national goals of leading the world in college completion by 2020 and improving the economy."

Talent Search, one of seven programs collectively known as the federal TRIO programs, provides disadvantaged youth with connections to high quality tutoring services and counseling services for students and families to improve financial aid literacy and financial planning for postsecondary education.

Activities and services are specially designed for students who are traditionally underrepresented in postsecondary education, including students with disabilities, students who are limited English proficient, homeless children and youth, students who are in or exiting foster care, first-generation college students, and other at-risk youth.

Attached is a list of the 43 grantees, alphabetical by state, with number of participants and funding amount for FY2012.