TRIO Talent Search Grants, provided by the United States Department of Education, fund AIM's Talent Search programs. The following describes the Department of Education's participant requirements, program focus and long-term objectives.   

Who Can Participate in TRIO Talent Search Program?

• Students' families meet federal income guidelines.
• Students are potentially first-generation college students. (neither mother nor father have graduated from college).
• Preference is given to qualifying participants; however, if additional space is available in programs, non-qualifying students attending the school may apply.
• Talent Search also helps support technology advances in the school that benefit participants as well as the general student body and staff.   

What is the Focus of the TRIO Talent Search Program? 

• To assist students in basic and advanced skills with an emphasis on reading, math and technology, thus enhancing academic performance.
• To get students to be actively involved in setting higher education goals.
• Create awareness of career/college opportunities after graduation from high school.
• Provide parents with information regarding all aspects of college admission and financial aid.  

What Specifically Does Talent Search Want to Achieve?

• Identify and select 600 participants each year from the seventh and eighth grades.  Two-thirds must meet Federal Income Guidelines and be First Generation.
• Have 100% of participants take part in offered key programs and other sponsored special events.
• Increase the number of students who go on to high school to graduate.
• Increase the number of students who graduate from high school to attend college.