ETS is funded by the US Department of Education and sponsored locally by Midlands Technical College and provides free college, career, and financial aid information to middle and high school students in Lexington and Fairfield counties each year. Educational Talent Search identifies students who demonstrate an interest or desire to attend college and provides them with the motivation and support to enroll in a program of postsecondary education (college, university, technical, or vocational school) after high school graduation.
ETS encourages and prepares students for postsecondary enrollment by providing assigned students in grades 6-12 with the following services and activities through group workshops and individual appointments held at designated target schools. (Please note that these may currently look different due to COVID-19.)
Goal setting and/or self-esteem building
College awareness activities
Career exploration activities
Cultural awareness
Financial aid awareness activities
College and career field trips
Individual assistance with: college admissions, scholarship applications, and financial aid forms
ETS also offers FREE tutoring and counseling services to students who are in the program. Once students are accepted into the program, they remain in it throughout their high school years.
The middle school components are as follows:
6th Grade
Goal setting
Self esteem
Decision making
Study skills/test taking
Learning styles
College awareness
7th Grade
Goal setting
Decision making
Career inventory or assessment
Career awareness
College awareness
8th Grade
Goal setting
Career awareness and inventory
College awareness
Preparing for high school
In order to be eligible for selection as ETS participants, students must meet the following criterion:
Be a US citizen or permanent resident alien
Be at least 11 years of age and in grade 6-12
Attend a school served by the ETS program (Congrats, you do!)
Commit to remain in the ETS program until high school graduation
Demonstrate an interest or desire to attend college.
**Ms. Brittany Hodges, the educational advisor for the ETS program, is virtually meeting with students this school year, so she will work around your school schedule to periodically meet with you.**
If you are interested in participating in the ETS program, please complete the MTCETS application. If you have any questions or concerns, you or your parents/guardians are welcome to email me at kmcdonald@lex2.org, or you may call Fulmer Middle School (803-822-5660) and ask to speak with Mrs. McDonald.
Other TRIO Programs
Upward Bound: Upward Bound prepares potential first generation college students for higher education by providing instruction in literature, composition, math, and science on college campuses. Instruction is offered on Saturdays during the school year and for six weeks during the summer. The program provides services to high school students in designated areas of Fairfield and Lexington counties. Comprehensive and intensive academic, social, career, and motivational activities enable participants to complete secondary education and take advantage of postsecondary educational opportunities.
Student Support Services: This program assists students who attend Midlands Technical College. Eligible participants, including students with disabilities, receive close academic counseling, career assessment/counseling, financial aid counseling, academic mentoring, cultural enrichment opportunities, college tours, and transfer advisement and assistance.
Educational Opportunity Center: EOC provides counseling and information on college admissions to qualified adults (19 and over) who want to begin or continue a college education. The program also provides in-depth financial aid information and assistance completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Participants may also receive career counseling, tutoring, and mentoring; EOC services are offered through adult education centers and social services offices in Fairfield and Lexington counties.