Scan the QR code or use this link to request to schedule a 1-on-1 meeting with me, and we can talk about all things college, career, and more! Reaching your goals begins with a single step.

The UNLV Educational Talent Search (ETS) program at Chaparral is funded by the U.S. Department of Education for the purpose of increasing the number of youth from disadvantaged backgrounds who complete high school and enroll in and complete their postsecondary education. 

Typically, ETS students are first-generation potential college students (neither parent received a four year college degree) with limited income, and a strong desire to attend college. Our participants receive a wide range of free services and participate in scholastic, cultural, and enrichment activities. Visit unlv.edu/caeo/ets for more information.

We service all grade levels at Chaparral, as long as they apply and are admitted to the TRIO ETS program. See the button at the bottom of the page to fill out the online application, or talk to Mrs. Brook in Portable #4.

Hello! My name is Mrs. Cruz, and I am your TRIO ETS coordinator at Chaparral. I love helping students explore their interests and find colleges and career pathways that can get them to their goals. I believe there are different versions of success, and all students are capable of reaching however they define it. With the right resources and opportunities, anything is possible!

I have been working with the TRIO ETS program since October 2021, and I currently service Chaparral and Woodbury (so if you have younger siblings, get them signed up too!). The college search process is such an exciting time, and I want to make it a positive and satisfying experience. Contact me if you have any questions, or to learn more about what I can do for you.

I graduated from Green Valley High School, and was able to go to the University of Nevada - Reno for free, thanks to the scholarships I earned in high school. I left UNR in December 2020 with a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in Secondary Education. Afterwards, I continued my education at UNLV, earning an M.A. in Urban Leadership in May 2022.

When not helping students, I enjoy spending time with my husband and friends, trying new foods, watching sports (go Raiders and Dodgers!), or doing dance classes at the gym. My favorite color is pink, favorite food is sushi, and I enjoy listening to R&B music.

We are always accepting applications, as long as we have space in our program. You can apply by picking up a paper application from Mrs. Brook, or by completing the application online. You can access the online application by going to the UNLV ETS website.

To be eligible for our free, federally-funded program, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be a 7th-12th grade student at one of our school sites

• Be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident

• Have at least a 2.0 GPA

If you do not meet these requirements, reach out to me ASAP, and we can discuss resources and opportunities available for you.

Stop by my office in Portable #4 (behind the gym, on the basketball courts, facing the freeway). Here you can pick up an application, meet one-on-one with any questions or concerns, or just hang out on our couch in our Student Success Center. I look forward to seeing you soon!