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: July 9, 2026 (Full application) | June 30, 2026 (Intergovernmental Review)
Funding Amounts: $250,000–$10,000,000 per year; typical awards up to $1M/year, up to $10M/year for designated state-level or tribal applicants; 60-month project period; estimated total funding $175,152,359.
Summary: Supports projects that help disadvantaged youth complete secondary education and pursue postsecondary education through academic, career, and financial guidance.
Key Information: No cost sharing required; minimum of 500 participants/year per project; annual per-participant cost may not exceed $500.
Description
The Talent Search Program, administered by the Office of Postsecondary Education at the U.S. Department of Education, funds projects that identify and assist individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who have the potential to succeed in higher education. The program aims to ensure participants complete secondary school and enroll in and complete postsecondary education. Grantees provide academic, career, and financial counseling, and encourage students who have not completed education programs at the secondary or postsecondary level to enter or reenter and complete these programs.
Projects are expected to broaden awareness of postsecondary pathways, including college, apprenticeships, and workforce credentials, and to facilitate connections to financial aid and support services. The program prioritizes expanding educational choice, access to high-impact tutoring, work-based learning, and industry-recognized credentials.
