Federal grant funds Grand Valley Educational Talent Search

The Grand Valley State University TRIO Educational Talent Search program (formerly Educational Connections) has been awarded $327,499 in funding from the U.S. Department of Education for the 2010-11 program year. This brings the total authorized funding for this period to $1,309,996.

"The Educational Talent Search program identifies individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who have the potential to succeed in higher education," said Sarah Keranen-Lopez, program director. "We encourage them to graduate from high school and continue on to the postsecondary institution of their choice. This program provides them with academic and career counseling, as well as assistance with financial aid application."

Serving Kent and Ottawa counties, Talent Search focuses on students in grades 6 through 12 in targeted schools. The program also serves high school dropouts by encouraging them to reenter the education system and complete their education.

For more information, visit www.gvsu.edu/ets or call (616) 331-7110.