SCC’s Educational Talent Search secures $2.37 million federal grant renewal through 2031

Southeastern Community College’s Educational Talent Search program has secured a five-year federal grant renewal that will expand services, introduce new student support initiatives and increase access to college and career readiness opportunities across Columbus County. 

The renewed grant, awarded by the U.S. Department of Education in partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor, became effective Sept. 1, and will continue through 2031. The program will receive $475,000 annually, totaling $2.375 million over five years. Educational Talent Search, commonly known as ETS, is one of the federal TRIO programs designed to help eligible students prepare for and succeed in postsecondary education. 

Under the new grant cycle, ETS will serve students in grades 6-12 at nine schools throughout Columbus County. Participating schools include Central Middle School, Columbus College and Career Academy, East Columbus Junior-Senior High School, Hallsboro-Artesia Elementary School, South Columbus High School, Tabor City Middle School, West Columbus School, West Columbus High School and Whiteville High School. Services are offered free of charge to eligible participants through partnerships with Columbus County Schools and Whiteville City Schools. 

The renewal also brings significant growth to the program. Over the next five years, ETS will increase student participation by approximately 16%, expanding services from 816 students to 950 students across middle and high school grade levels. 

One of the most notable additions to the grant is its emphasis on expanding educational choice through high-impact tutoring and pre-apprenticeship opportunities. The new initiatives are designed to strengthen academic achievement while exposing students to skilled trades, workforce credentials and alternative career pathways alongside traditional college preparation. 

“Renewing the five-year grant will strengthen SCC’s Talent Search program by expanding participant access to postsecondary education and introducing skilled trades and credentials throughout Columbus County for free,” said Dr. Leslie Brown, director of Educational Talent Search. 

In addition to the new tutoring and pre-apprenticeship components, ETS participants will continue to have access to college and university visits, financial aid assistance and literacy programs, test preparation resources, job-readiness training, academic advising and career exploration workshops. Program leaders believe the expanded offerings will provide students with multiple pathways to achieve their educational and career goals. 

Federal funding will support a variety of allowable program expenses, including high-impact tutors, transportation, meals, lodging when necessary, test-preparation materials, college visits and campus events. The grant will also help ensure students can participate in educational experiences that might otherwise be financially out of reach. 

Brown said the renewed funding creates an opportunity to strengthen student support systems and connect more young people with career-focused learning experiences. 

“As director, I look forward to helping our students reimagine their education, supporting career-connected learning, expanding access to personalized educational opportunities and credentials, and providing academic and career support, all by making the most of every opportunity the renewal grant offers,” Brown explained. 

According to Brown, the competitive grant plays a critical role in creating opportunities for students throughout the county. Through mentoring, college advising, career coaching and early intervention services, ETS helps students navigate key educational transitions while preparing for life after high school. 

“This highly competitive grant opens doors to unimaginable opportunities for many students in rural Columbus County by expanding mentoring, career coaching, college advising and early-alert intervention,” explained Brown, “which is why we are tremendously grateful to receive this award.” 

The program’s impact extends beyond academics by exposing students to experiences and destinations they may have never considered. During the past year, ETS participants visited institutions such as the University of North Carolina Asheville and Vanderbilt University while also touring STEM-related sites and educational destinations outside the county. 

Brown said those opportunities allow students to broaden their perspectives and better understand the possibilities available to them after graduation. 

“ETS enhances a student’s experience in school and in life by providing opportunities that might not otherwise be within reach,” Brown said. “These colleges, among others, opened a world of academic excellence, affording our students the opportunity to see what lies beyond their norms as they continue to dream big and maximize their potential.” 

She added that the program’s role extends beyond individual students and serves families and the larger community as well. 

“SCC’s Talent Search program is more than just a service; it’s a lifeline for so many students, families and our community at large,” Brown said, “in terms of eligible participants exploring career pathways, transitioning from middle to high school or applying to college.” 

As the new grant cycle begins, Brown plans to implement several operational changes to support the program’s expansion. Those changes include hiring a program and data management assistant, recruiting tutors to provide high-impact tutoring services, collaborating with local school districts on tutoring implementation and working closely with SCC’s apprenticeship program director to strengthen long-term sustainability. 

Students can also expect new events and workshops focused on emerging opportunities and workforce development. Planned programming includes test-preparation sessions, financial literacy workshops for students and families, skilled trades site visits, artificial intelligence ethics and best practices workshops and work-based learning seminars led by industry professionals. 

For more information about the Educational Talent Search program or to complete an application, click here or call 910-788-6394.