TRIO Talent Search
TRIO Talent Search Program is a federally funded program that promotes college access to students from working-class families from the middle and high schools in Cherokee County. Talent Search prepares them for college by providing the following services: college tours, goal setting & study skills workshops, financial aid workshops, college search guidance, SAT/ACT waivers, college application fee waivers, and summer enrichment programs.
Eligibility and Schools Served
To be eligible for TRIO Talent Search, students must:
- Be enrolled at a participating middle or high school (listed below)
- Be a first-generation college student (neither parent has a four-year college degree or the custodial parent in a single-parent family does not have a four-year college degree) OR
- Currently live in an economically disadvantaged household (TRIO will help you determine if you meet this criteria)
Participating Middle Schools
Blacksburg Middle School
Ewing Middle School
Gaffney Middle School
Participating High Schools
Blacksburg High School
Gaffney High School
Copeland Academy
Talent Search Programs and Events
Annual Etiquette Series and Luncheon
Eighth graders participate in a three-course luncheon with includes: proper dress, grooming, self-development, and a complete etiquette lesion.
College Tours
Middle and high school students visit college campuses to become acquainted with various college opportunities in the state. Students have the opportunity to meet with admissions staffs, visit campus facilities, classrooms, and dormitories. The students also eat lunch on campus.
Annual Summer Enrichment Camp
This is a FREE summer camp designed to help students as they prepare for college. The program will include sessions that cover career development, financial literacy, college orientation activities, cryptocurrency, and college tours.
Application Procedures
Students must complete an application to be considered for participation in the TRIO Talent Search Program. Applications may be obtained from the TRIO Talent Search office, (Camit Building – Room 203 on the Cherokee County campus) or students can receive an application from the Guidance Office at their school. Completed applications can be returned to the Guidance Office or mailed to:
Talent Search Program
Spartanburg Community College
Cherokee Campus
523 Chesnee Hwy.
Gaffney, SC 29341
Once an application is submitted, TRIO staff will contact you to discuss your eligibility
and the remaining steps in the application process. Students may contact the TRIO Talent Search Program by phone at (864) 206-2646 or by email at triotalentsearch@sccsc.edu.