Educational Talent Search Program

Imperial Valley College Educational Talent Search is a federally funded program designed to help low income and potential first generation college students gain entry to and graduate from an institution of higher education. The goal of the program is to provide assistance to these students as a means to facilitate their post-high school educational objectives.

Educational Talent Search Flyer 2020

Applications

Program Description:

The TRiO Imperial Valley College Talent Search Program seeks to identify and assist high school students from disadvantaged backgrounds who have the potential to succeed in higher education.  The goal of the program is to assist students while they are in high school and help them enroll in college during their senior year.

As participants the program, students will have the opportunity to participate in workshops and other college related activities that will allow them to prepare for college.  During the student's senior year, participants will receive assistance with college application, financial aid assistance (FAFSA), and other senior related activities.

IVC Educational Talent Search Program services provided include but are not limited to:

  • Academic, financial, career, or personal guidance including advice on entry or re-entry to secondary or postsecondary programs
  • Career exploration
  • Tutorial services
  • Information on postsecondary education
  • Exposure to college campuses
  • Information on student financial assistance
  • Assistance in completing college admissions and financial aid applications
  • Assistance in preparing for college entrance exams

Program Eligibility:

Students can submit an ETS application if they attend one of the following school sites:

  • Brawley Union High School
  • Calexico High School
  • Calipatria High School,
  • Central Union High School
  • Holtville High School
  • Imperial High School
  • San Pasqual High School
  • Southwest High School

Students who have dropped out of school or college are also eligible to apply for the Educational Talent Search Program. Requirements:

  1. Meet federal eligibility guidelines (low-income, first-generation, college bound student).
  2. Demonstrate that they have academic potential for admission to postsecondary institutions.
  3. Be in need of the services provided by the Educational Talent Search Program.

Requirements for Eligibility:

  • Attend one of our target schools.
  • Have completed the fifth grade or be at least 11 years old and not older than 27 years old.
  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
  • Show potential for future success in college or vocational school.
  • Need encouragement from the program to do their best in school.
  • Agree to commit and actively participate in the program activities.
  • Complete an ETS Application and submit necessary income verification information.

Educational Talent Search Program Mission:  The mission of Educational Talent Search Program at Imperial Valley College is to empower its participants by providing high school and college guidance, information, and experiences so that they can make the best decisions as it pertains to their higher educational and career goals.

Imperial Valley College TRiO  Educational Talent Search Program Staff: 

Office hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 am to 6:00 pm

Myriam Fletes
Educational Talent Search Director
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760-355-6251

Office Assistant:
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760-355-6109

TRiO ETS Outreach Specialists:

Dalia Escutia
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760-355-6467

Gissel Aguirre
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (ETS Alum)
760-355-6467

Rafael Gonzalez
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760-355-6429

U.S. Department of Education:

IVC TRiO Educational Talent Search Grant is 100% funded by the U.S. Department of Education.  More information about Talent Search and other TRiO programs can be found at: 

http://www2.ed.gov/programs/triotalent/index.html

Imperial Valley College links:

Other college related resources:

  • www.californiacolleges.edu
  • www.collegeboard.org
  • www.act.org
  • Facebook Page: Educational Talent Search Imperial Valley College
  • ETS Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I access an Educational Talent Search application and program brochure?
Students and parents interested in enrolling in the ETS program can download an ETS application as well as a program brochure using the links above.

How do I turn in a completed ETS application?
During the closure of IVC and limited access to our program staff, students and parents can submit a completed application via email. Please scan the application and supporting attached documentation and email it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or fax it to 760-355-6143; at a later time, you will be asked to submit the original document(s).

How will I know my child has been accepted into the Educational Talent Search program?
Parents and students will be notified by regular mail that the student has been accepted into the program.

Whom can I speak to regarding the Educational Talent Search program services?
To speak to an ETS staff member, please call 760-355-6109. If no one is available to speak to you directly, please do not hesitate to leave a message and someone will call you as soon as possible.

How will the student receive program services?
Normal program services are provided during workshops and one-to-one sessions depending on the services. During the closure of IVC and limited access to our program staff, services will be provided via online conferencing services. Participants will be notified as to how to access these online services.

Why should I join ETS?
Being involved with ETS will help strengthen your academic skills, help identify and stay focused on your high school and college goals, assist with your personal goals and increase and improve your options after high school.

Can anyone join ETS?
Any student attending one of eight service schools and who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, who is a first generation college student, or low income student, and who has the desire to go to college can apply to ETS.

What does first generation college student mean?
First generation college student means that the parent(s) of the student does not hold a 4 year college degree.

Who qualifies as low income?
A low income student is determined based on the parent's TAXABLE INCOME not the GROSS INCOME (this may be confusing and students/ parents often think they don't qualify when in fact they do) and the family size or # of dependents (this includes parents and children).

Do I have to be both low income and first generation to apply?
No, a student can qualify for ETS by being one of the two or both. If you are unsure if you qualify please call (760-355-6109) for more information.

How will ETS help me with college?
ETS will help you from the beginning stages of planning for college, including A-G requirements, AP course informational sessions, financial aid information sessions, SAT/ACT Prep, college campus tours and more.  By the student's senior year, he/she will be familiarized with the college application process, FAFSA application process, college entrance tests, etc.  Students will receive hands-on assistance for college forms and applications to include FAFSA and scholarship applications.  Students are also encouraged to attend our annual one day fieldtrips to various universities so that they can get a feel for college life on campus.

How long do I have to stay involved with ETS?
We would like to see all ETS participants stay and participate with the program until graduation.  All seniors will be encouraged to attend our summer Bridge Program where participants will be provided with a plethora of college information for incoming college freshmen.