The Parris Foundation believes everyone deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. That’s why we’re proud to extend opportunities via the TRIO Talent Search Program.
This free program provides middle school students, high school students, and adults with the opportunity to receive the education needed to experience success in life and discover what they’re capable of.
The TRIO Talent Search program:
Empowering students to reach their full potential
These resources are made possible thanks to the TRIO Talent Search Program, which lets us offer a range of support services designed to guide and assist middle school and high school students.
Each individual is given the personalized support and direction they need to continue on in their educational journey, whether that’s finishing high school, getting a GED, or guiding and preparing them for the college path that’s right for them.
The program helps participants explore educational opportunities, prepare for college, and overcome obstacles that might stand in their way. This includes academic, career, and financial counseling.
Thanks to being 100% federally funded by the U.S. Department of Education, these resources are all free for those who receive them.
What is the TRIO Talent Search program
We all do better with the right support, including those who dream of attending college but aren’t sure how to make that happen.
To help provide this support, our TRIO Talent Search Program serves a diverse set of individuals, including middle school students, high school students, and adults who meet the following criteria:
Individuals who have the courage to be the first person in their family to attend college are given the help and guidance needed to make it happen.
The TRIO Talent Search Program serves as a stepping stone to opportunity.
That’s why we’re eager to provide help and support to get started with the college application process. From understanding what to include in college essays to picking first classes, we’re here to help with this crucial step.
The strengths and abilities that come from each student’s talents and passions can be unlocked with our TRIO Talent Search Program. Students receive guidance and help connecting what they want to do with exciting careers that they’ll personally enjoy.
Who is eligible for the TRIO Talent Search program
The program is designed with financial inclusivity in mind. As such, its primary focus is on helping students attend college who are between the ages of 11 and 27, who have completed the fifth grade, and are in need of financial assistance.
TRIO Talent Search Program supported schools
What each participant receives is unique to them, based on their needs:
- Academic advising, receiving that road map to success.
- Personal counseling, helping them overcome self-doubt and setting the bar higher than they initially thought possible for themselves.
- Inspiration from college campus tours, educational field trips, or summer programs to help students to imagine what their life could be in a world filled with opportunity.
What can someone in the TRIO Talent Search program expect
For my parents, it was just making a living and making sure there’s food on the table.
For me, getting that diploma from a university can ensure that we break that cycle of poverty.
My advisor assured me that The Parris Foundation is here for me, so if my dream really is Columbia University, I should go there!
That conversation itself was what made me decide to strive higher than my own standards.”
– Christopher Melendez, Springs Woods High School, Senior 2023
“I am first gen, so my parents were never able to go to college. So I would like to give them a better life and give myself a better life.
The advisor, Miss Victoria, has really helped me a lot with my college applications, has pushed me to finish them, or helped me get started with them.
Another thing is their free counseling: My family uses that free counseling and it has really, really helped my family a lot.
The field trip when we went to Austin and San Antonio – that’s my number one. It was so fun! I was with friends, and everything was free: the hotel, the food services… It was so much fun.”
– Alejandra Diaz, Springs Woods High School, Senior 2023
Testimonials from our TRIO program alumni
Answers to commonly asked questions about The TRIO Talent Search program
How to get started
If you’re ready to begin your journey towards higher education, contact The Parris Foundation’s Director of Education & Outreach below.
Alfred Bacon
Director of Education and Outreach
(713) 534-1374
abacon@parrisfoundation.org
If you’re ready to begin your journey towards higher education, contact The Parris Foundation’s Director of Education & Outreach below.
Alfred Bacon
Director of Education and Outreach
abacon@parrisfoundation.org
(713) 534-1374
