Study of the Effect of the Talent Search Program on Secondary and Postsecondary Outcomes in Florida, Indiana and Texas. Final Report From Phase II of the National Evaluation

摘要

Many studies have documented the fact that college graduates earn significantly more money during their lifetimes than high school graduates (U.S. Department of Education 2004). Research also shows that college graduates demonstrate greater civic involvement and are more likely to vote and assume leadership roles in their communities (Astin 1993; Bowen and Bok 1998). Low-income students and students whose parents have not attended college typically are less likely than middle and upper-income students to complete high school and attend college, and are thus less likely to reap the benefits of attending college. Lack of information, resources, and exposure to others who have navigated the college process may be substantial hurdles for these students. Federal financial aid is available through Pell Grants, college tuition tax credits, and student loan programs, but low-income students may not be taking full advantage of these sources. Even low-income students with high educational aspirations may find the financial aid and college application processes overwhelming and discouraging. In 1965, Congress established the Talent Search Program as one of the original federal TRIO programs. The others include Upward Bound, created in 1964, and Special Services (later renamed Student Support Services), established in 1968. Today, TRIO includes five other programs. Collectively, these programs help low-income, potentially first-generation college students prepare for and gain access to college.