About METS
Educational Talent Search has been administered by the Montana Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education since 1979. The following are federal TRIO programs:
- Talent Search
- Upward Bound
- Student Support Services
- Educational Opportunity Centers
- Ronald McNair Post-Baccalaureate Program
Student Financial Aid + TRIO = Equal Access
TRIO and financial aid programs are the federal strategy to ensure everyone can access post-secondary education. They address the academic, social, cultural and other financial barriers to college.
Who is Eligible
There are only two admission requirements:- that students demonstrate need for METS services in order to consider, prepare for and enroll in postsecondary school
- that most students be from families where neither parent has completed a four-year college degree and/or whose income meets certain guidelines.
Services Offered
ETS offers a unique range of services designed to motivate and prepare students to enter higher education. Services are based upon long-term contact with students preferably beginning in the 7th grade. Once accepted, students commit to work with ETS throughout their school career until graduation and successful college enrollment. Program staff meet with students regularly both during and after school. Services include:
- individual counseling
- small group workshops
- career site visits
- campus orientation visits
- postsecondary enrollment assistance
- academic workshops and classes
- role model speakers and mentors
- cultural workshops and activities
- individual, group & peer tutoring
Objectives
ETS services are specifically designed to enhance and develop vital skills and knowledge students need if they are to achieve their full educational potential and make informed life decisions. These key competencies include:
- Knowledge of educational opportunities
- knowledge of career opportunities
- high school course planning
- academic achievement and progress
- postsecondary planning
- postsecondary enrollment & transition
- self awareness
- positive self-image and sense of cultural identity
- decision making skills
- goal setting & study skills
- critical thinking skills
Statistics
ETS and TRIO serve low-income, first-generation college students. Why?
- Students from families with incomes below $22,000 have only a 4% chance of completing college.
- Students from families with incomes over $72,000 have a 53% chance of graduating from college.
Despite targeting students with average or below average grades, ETS students:
- Graduate from high school at a rate of 95% or greater
- Complete college prep coursework at the same rate as all students
60% - 80% of long term students enroll in higher education within one year of graduation
Educational Talent Search is based on a holistic approach to education. This means that our program is a partnership comprised of the student and his/her family as well as teachers, counselors, community workers, and ETS staff. ETS exists for you. We invite you to call, email, write and visit us. We welcome your inquiries, input and feedback. For personal and individualized attention, please contact the ETS staff at the target area offices.
