Educational Talent Search (ETS) is a federal TRIO program funded by the U.S. Department of Education to provide FREE services for eligible students in grades 6-12 who have the potential to succeed in higher education. The goal of the ETS program is to provide services that support students with completing secondary education and enrolling into a post-secondary educational institution of their choice to complete a certificate, associates, bachelors, or higher.

The program serves over 875 students in the following counties: Blount, Cullman, Marshall, and Morgan. 

Talent Search counselors visit participating schools several times per month during school hours to provide services to students individually and in small groups. Some services are offered outside of normal school hours and/or at off site locations. For example, the ACT prep courses are offered on the Wallace State Hanceville campus and at the Oneonta Academic Center. Additionally, students are invited to participate in large group events, such as campus tours and cultural field trips. 

Talent Search is based at the Wallace State Community College Campus located at 801 Main Street NW, Hanceville, AL 35077. Talent Search offices are located on the fifth floor of the James C. Bailey (JBC) Center, #1 on the campus map. 

Students in 6-12 grade (or under the age of 27 working on a GED) that are interested in applying for Talent Search may do so by submitting an online application. Please note that the application must be complete to be processed. Applicants selected for participation will be notified by program staff.