Talent Search Program
The Talent Search Program funds projects that help disadvantaged students finish high school and pursue college by providing guidance and support for educational opportunities and financial aid.
Funder: Office of Postsecondary Education
Due Dates: May 1, 2026 (Full application) | June 30, 2026 (Intergovernmental Review)
Funding Amounts: $250,000–$10,000,000/year; typical awards 5 years; estimated total funding $175M; ~175 awards
Summary: Supports projects that identify and assist disadvantaged youth to complete secondary school and enter postsecondary education, with a focus on academic, financial, and career guidance.
Description
This federal grant, administered by the Office of Postsecondary Education (U.S. Department of Education), funds the Talent Search Program, which aims to increase the number of disadvantaged youth who complete secondary school and enroll in postsecondary education. Projects are designed to provide academic, financial, and career guidance to students from low-income backgrounds, including those who are first-generation college students, students with disabilities, foster youth, and disconnected youth. The program emphasizes early intervention and personalized support, including awareness of financial aid, postsecondary options (such as college and apprenticeships), and workforce pathways.
The Talent Search Program encourages integration with workforce development systems and innovative approaches, such as dual enrollment, work-based learning, and the use of data infrastructure for tracking outcomes. Applicants are expected to serve at least 500 participants annually, with a minimum of two-thirds being low-income, first-generation college students.
