TRIO Talent Search Program (Orange & Irvington)

Five hundred students will be served from the following target schools:

Irvington School District
Irvington High School (Grades 9-12)
Union Avenue Middle School (Grades 6-8)
University Middle School (Grades 6-8)

Orange School District
Orange High School (Grades 9-12)
Orange Preparatory Academy (Grades 8-9)
Cleveland Street School (Grades 6-7)
Lincoln Avenue School (Grades 6-7)
Park Avenue School (Grades 6-7)
APEX Academy (Grade 6-8)

The TS Program helps participants by providing the following:

• Orientation, academic preparation, and activities (college tours, academic enrichment trips, etc.) will be provided to all grade levels
• Workshops covering a variety of topics including but not limited to financial aid, the college application process, and HSPA/SAT preparation will be provided to all participants and their parents
• Advisement and Counseling to ensure students are taking the rigorous courses required for college entry
• TS staff will work closely with Irvington and Orange School Administrators to assist in monitoring participants grades and to ensure a strong partnership between the AFC’s Talent Search Program, the School Districts, students and parents
• Information on the full range of federal student financial aid programs/benefits, resources for locating public and private scholarships, and assistance in completing the FAFSA.
• Guidance on and assistance in entry into postsecondary education, secondary school reentry, alternative education programs for secondary school dropouts that lead to receipt of diploma, entry into GED.

In order to qualify for the TS Program, students must:

• Be between the ages of 11-27 and have completed the fifth grade
• Have a minimum 2.5 GPA, be in good academic standing, or in need of services.
• Be a potential first-generation college student, that is, no parent(s) or guardian(s) has a four-year college degree from a college or university.
• Be highly recommended by a teacher and/or school administrator
• Have full support and participation of parent(s)/guardian(s)
• Participate in all required programs and activities
• Agree to submit a completed application and meet the financial guidelines
• Agree to submit all requested information and documents up to six years after high school graduation