PRESS RELEASE: IOWA LAKES SECURES $2 MILLION FEDERAL TRIO TALENT SEARCH GRANT TO SUPPORT NORTHWEST IOWA STUDENTS
Five-year award continues college and career access services for students in grades 6–12 and expands program to Pocahontas Area Community Schools
ESTHERVILLE, Iowa — Iowa Lakes Community College has been awarded $2 million in federal funding to continue its TRIO Talent Search program for another five years, ensuring students throughout northwest Iowa continue to have access to educational guidance, college and career exploration, and resources designed to help them successfully transition beyond high school.
The new grant provides $400,000 annually from 2026 through 2031. The award follows a highly competitive federal grant cycle marked by significant changes to the Talent Search competition and provides long-term stability for a program that has served generations of students and families throughout the Iowa Lakes region.
“This award means that we can continue walking alongside students from middle school through high school as they begin thinking about what is possible for their future,” said Nicole Smith, TRIO Director at Iowa Lakes Community College. “For many of the students we serve, Talent Search provides the individualized guidance, experiences and encouragement that help make education after high school feel attainable. Securing another five years of funding is incredibly meaningful for our students, families and partner schools.”
TRIO Talent Search is a federally funded college and career access program serving students in grades 6–12, with an emphasis on students who are potential first-generation college students or meet federal income guidelines. Services are provided at no cost to students or families.
Through Iowa Lakes Talent Search, students receive ongoing support in areas including academic success, career exploration, college planning, financial aid and scholarships, college entrance preparation, financial literacy, and the transition from high school to postsecondary education or training. Students also have opportunities to participate in college visits, educational and cultural experiences, workshops, and Career Camp, which provides hands-on opportunities to explore career pathways and learn more about the education and training needed to pursue them.
“TRIO Talent Search represents the kind of support that can change the trajectory of a student’s life,” said Troy Larson, Vice President of Student Services at Iowa Lakes Community College. “Through the program, students build relationships with trusted advisors who help them explore opportunities, understand their options and develop a plan for what comes after high school. Securing another five years of funding allows us to continue providing that support to students and families throughout our region.”
Under the new grant, Iowa Lakes will serve students at Algona Community School District, Bishop Garrigan Schools, Emmetsburg Community School District, Emmetsburg Catholic School, Estherville Lincoln Central Community School District, Graettinger-Terril Community School District, North Union Community School District, Okoboji Community School District, Ruthven-Ayrshire Community School District, Spencer Community School District, Spirit Lake High School and West Bend-Mallard Community School District.
The new grant also expands Iowa Lakes Talent Search services to Pocahontas Area Community School District, extending the program’s reach to additional students and families in northwest Iowa.
Iowa Lakes has a long history of providing TRIO programming and currently hosts Talent Search, Upward Bound and TRIO Student Support Services. Together, the programs support students at different stages of their educational journey and reinforce the College’s commitment to expanding access to education and helping students successfully achieve their academic and career goals.
“Receiving this grant is about much more than maintaining a program,” Smith said. “It means another five years of students having someone in their corner helping them ask questions, explore opportunities and believe that college, training and a meaningful career are within their reach.”
Students and families interested in learning more about Iowa Lakes TRIO Talent Search, including eligibility requirements and how to enroll in the program, are encouraged to visit the TRIO Talent Search page at iowalakes.edu or contact the Iowa Lakes TRIO team for more information.
About TRIO Talent Search
Talent Search is one of the federally funded TRIO programs established to expand educational opportunity. The program identifies and assists students who have the potential to succeed in postsecondary education and provides services designed to support high school completion and enrollment in college, career training and other postsecondary pathways.