TRIO Continues Talent Search Program, Secures Additional Grant for 500 Pre-College Students

The NC State University TRIO Pre-College Programs have successfully received a $2.2 million federal grant to continue assisting Eastern Wake and Johnston County students from underrepresented and underserved backgrounds to graduate from high school and succeed in higher education.

Additionally, through a competitive grant writing process, the department has secured another TRIO Talent Search grant that will serve 500 middle and high school students in Wayne County, including Southern Wayne High School, Goldsboro High School, Grantham Middle School, Eastern Wayne Middle School, and Brogden Middle School. The pre-college programs at NC State continue to expand their reach with this $1.3 million grant.

The two programs will serve 1,314 students annually through academic advising, college tours, standardized test preparation, financial literacy services, and assistance with completing college admissions applications and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Ultimately, the programs aim to increase the number of students from first-generation and under-resourced families that enter into and complete postsecondary education.

“The Division of Academic and Student Affairs applauds Maurice Mathis, senior director of the TRIO Pre-College Programs, and the TRIO Talent Search staff for their efforts to secure funding for the much needed resources in this new target area,” said Carrie Zelna, associate vice chancellor. “This expanded partnership helps to extend the university’s promise as a land-grant institution and, through pre-college outreach programs, helps continue our mantra of ‘Think and Do’ by encouraging students to progress toward degree attainment.”

About NC State TRIO Programs

TRIO Programs are federal outreach and student services programs designed to serve and assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to postbaccalaureate degrees. Of these eight programs, NC State University supports four impact areas through seven programs, including the two premier TRIO pre-college programs, Talent Search (1991 and 2021) and Upward Bound (1978 and 2012). Collectively they have served thousands of students by providing access to higher education and critical support services. NC State’s Student Support Services program for undergraduate students launched in 2010. The Student Support Services STEM program was introduced in 2015 and was joined by the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program in 2017.