Talent Search student group

Talent Search at Fort Lewis College is a federally funded program managed by the U.S. Department of Education. Its objective is to encourage and assist middle school and high school students who are first generation and/or low-income families pursue a post-secondary education.

Talent Search was authorized as part of the the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 in response to President Lyndon Johnson’s War on Poverty. Today there are eight TRIO programs hosted by over 1,200 colleges, universities, community colleges and agencies across America. There are more than 475 Talent Search programs in the U.S. serving more than 389,000 students.

Federal TRIO Programs provide outreach and support services to help low-income, first-generation college students progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to post-baccalaureate programs. Get a more in-depth explanation and understanding of TRIO programs at the federal government’s TRIO site.

Our Program Fast Facts:

  • We currently serve 655 students in 11 schools in 5 local communities: Pagosa Springs, Durango, Mancos, Cortez, and Ignacio. 
  • During the three school years of 2017-2020, an average of 97% of our seniors have graduated high school!
  • During the three school years of 2017-2020, an average of 68% of our seniors enrolled in post-secondary education!
  • We serve alongside three other local TRIO programs: TRIO Upward Bound, TRIO Student Success Center, and TRIO STEM.
  • Our staff has a long and impressive legacy of college readiness and career exploration.

Learn more about our team of advisors.