TRIO - Talent SEarch
Helping students navigate the path towards high school graduation & college enrollment
Iowa Lakes Community College's TRIO Talent Search Program is a free college access program sponsored by the College.
We provide support and guidance to students to ensure success in high school, post-secondary education enrollment, and graduation.
Talent Search is a federally funded TRIO program through the Department of Education. Funding for the 2025-26 academic year is $404,040 to serve 700 eligible students in grades 6-12.
The program aims to help low-income and potential first-generation college students in middle and high school reach their educational goals and pursue post-secondary enrollment and graduation.
We focus on encouraging and assisting students in reaching their academic and personal goals and enrolling them in post-secondary schools after graduation.
TRIO TALENT SEARCH is funded to serve first generation and income eligible students who have the potential to succeed in higher education.
Students qualify for the program if neither parent has graduated from a four-year college or university or by meeting federal income guidelines.
Iowa Lakes Community College TRIO Talent Search currently provides services to the following schools within the Iowa Lakes District.
Algona Public Schools
Bishop-Garrigan
Emmetsburg Public Schools
Emmetsburg Catholic School
Estherville-Lincoln-Central Schools
Graettinger-Terril Schools
North Union Schools
Okoboji Schools
Ruthven-Ayrshire Schools
Spencer Schools
Spirit Lake High School
West Bend-Mallard Schools
The Iowa Lakes Community College TRIO Talent Search Program offers many different opportunities, all focused on the student's success in middle school and high school. TRIO Talent Search also assists with successful transitioning into post-secondary programs. All services are free.
MONTHLY IN-SCHOOL VISITS
TRIO Talent Search advisors will visit with each student in their respective schools once a month during the school year. Staff will offer information on: careers, financial aid, applying to college, college entrance exams, financial literacy, study skills, test taking skills, time management, self-esteem, and more. Staff will also share information about upcoming campus visits, workshops, and activities designed to expose the students to many opportunities beyond their current environment.
ACTIVITIES
All students are welcome to participate in various college visits, enrichment activities and workshops. These activities are advertised in our newsletters which are mailed to students bi-monthly and may be found on our Facebook page. In addition, newsletters also provide information about financial aid, study tips, the college process and more.
ACADEMIC HELP
Academic assistance is offered in various locations and online to help participants with homework and achieving their academic goals. Please click on the “Academic Help” tab for more information and locations.
TALENT SEARCH SUMMER FUN DAY
This fun filled one day event is held during the summer for new middle school students who have been accepted into the TRIO Talent Search Program. Students will spend the day at an Okoboji Camp and take part in team building activities.
STEM CAMP
This four day, three night camp is jam packed with fun, educational and social activities and offered to upcoming seventh and eighth graders every June. The camp is held on the Iowa Lakes Community College campus, with off campus adventures planned. Students come from all over to meet new friends and reconnect with old.
Activity photos
2024 STEM CAMP
Questions? Let's Talk
 |
William Huberty TRIO Talent Search Coordinator 712-852-5354 | whuberty@iowalakes.edu Emmetsburg Campus |
 |
Natalie Anderson TRIO Talent Search Coordinator 712-362-7951 | nhenriksen@iowalakes.edu Estherville Campus |
 |
Julie McGrauth TRIO-Talent Search Project Assistant 712-852-5213 | jmcgrauth@iowalakes.edu Emmetsburg Campus |
 |
Renee Chism TRIO Talent Search Coordinator 712-852-5339 | rchism@iowalakes.edu Emmetsburg Campus |
RESOURCES FOR CURRENT TALENT SEARCH STUDENTS
At this time, there are no events scheduled for middle or high school students - but stay tuned for upcoming opportunities!
Funding your future education may be a concern of you and your family. We suggest starting early and gathering as much information as possible to prepare for this exciting step.
- Scholarships: Scholarships are merit-based awards distributed to students who meet the qualifications established by each individual program. Scholarships do not need to be repaid. Iowa Lakes offers three (3) $500 scholarships each year to Talent Search participants attending Iowa Lakes.
- Grants: Grants are need-based awards available to students who meet the specific requirements of each grant program. Grant awards do not need to be repaid.
- Loans: Loans are need-based financial assistance that must be repaid, in most cases starting after you have graduated or left college. Lending institutions such as banks, savings banks, credit unions, and the federal government make the loans.
Check out these links for more information:
www.studentaid.gov
www.fastweb.com
www.iowastudentloan.org
www.finaid.org
Individual colleges offer their own scholarships, check out the college websites.
Scholarships are available to TRIO Talent Search students and participants in other TRIO programs. Learn more about those scholarships from your advisor and at:
www.iowatrio.org.
TRIO Talent Search students receive preference for certain scholarships offered through the State of Iowa such as the All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship. Find out more information at iowacollegeaid.gov
Many organizations and companies offer their own scholarships. The list is never ending, but here are areas to think about:
- Local Community Organizations or Clubs
- High School Clubs (athletics, memorials, local and state level clubs)
- Churches or Scouting programs (local and national)
- Local Businesses
- Large National Businesses (vehicle manufacturers, computer companies, large department stores, large grocery chains, bottling companies, gas companies, restaurant chains, banks, credit companies)
- Banks and Credit Companies
- Media/Communication Companies (magazine, newspaper, radio, television, internet and phone companies)
- Charitable Organizations (local and national)
- Special Needs Foundations
- Places of employment of students or parents/grandparents of students.
Check out these helpful links on the college process.
Information on preparing and choosing a college: www.educationplanner.org or www.icansucceed.org
