The Academic Talent Search Program is a federally funded program that works with 776 students enrolled in four intermediate schools and four comprehensive high schools in the Santa Ana Unified School District. In order to be eligible, a student must come from a family that falls below the low-income guide​lines adopted by the Department of Education and have parents, and/or neither of whom graduated from a four-year university. Participants must also be a U.S. Citizen or a legal Permanent Resident.

The goal of the program is to prepare students so that they will be eligible for the post-secondary institution of their choice upon graduating from high school. Students are provided individual and group counseling services to help them become a competitive college applicant, research a variety of different career options, learn how to set goals, learn study skills techniques and work on building self-esteem. The program also invites distinguished guest speakers that discuss their careers and provide motivation and encouragement. Students also have the opportunity to attend a variety of college and cultural field trips. For information on how to join the program, CLICK HERE​.

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