About Educational Talent Search
Educational Talent Search (ETS) is a federally funded college preparation program designed to encourage students to be successful in high school & assist them in entering & completing an educational program following high school graduation. ETS is a FREE planning and resources service for students who are interested in continuing their education after high school. ETS assists with academic support, college & career exploration & selection, as well as financial aid.
ETS is designed to identify low-income, first-generation potential college students and encourage them to complete secondary education and undertake a program of postsecondary education.
The program is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Education and has been hosted at Minnesota State University, Mankato since 1985. It serves students grades 6-12 from 15 target schools in the south-central Minnesota area.
Objectives
- Enhance students' personal, cultural, social and academic awareness and development.
- Assist students with early career and educational planning.
- Create awareness of career and educational opportunities.
- Inform and educate participants about postsecondary educational requirements.
- Provide support and preparation assistance for college readiness testing, such as the ACT.
- Inform students about the availability of financial aid for postsecondary educational opportunities and assist in the process of securing such aid.
- Provide enrichment opportunities to further the potential of students.
How to Get Involved
Six hundred ninety-four students from 15 schools in south central Minnesota participate in the Minnesota State University, Mankato ETS program. The students range from grade 6 to grade 12. ETS serves students from families in which neither parent has completed a four-year degree (first generation potential college students) and/or families living on limited incomes, meeting all of the federal eligibility guidelines. Two-thirds of all participants must meet both criteria. Check with your counselor for an application or apply through our website.
Who We Serve
Six hundred ninety-four students from 15 target schools in South Central Minnesota participate in the ETS program. The students range from grades 6 to 12.
| Schools Served | Grades Served |
|---|---|
| Blue Earth | 8-12 |
| Butterfield-Odin | 7-12 |
| Fairmont High School | 7-12 |
| Mankato East | 9-12 |
| Madelia | 7-12 |
| Maple River Middle & High School | 6-12 |
| Mountain Lake | 7-12 |
| New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva | 6-12 |
| Prairie Winds | 6-8 |
| St James | 6-12 |
| Sleepy Eye Public | 7-12 |
| Truman | 7-12 |
| United South Central | 7-12 |
Meet the Team
Learn more about the ETS Team and find their contact information.
For general assistance, please reach out to the the ETS office:
- Phone: 507-389-5175
- Email: educational-talent-search@mnsu.edu
- Mailing: 356 Wiecking Center, Mankato MN 56001
Program Funding
The Educational Talent Search program is funded by the U.S. Department of Education ($400,397 for the 2024-25 program year) and by Minnesota State University, Mankato.
FAQs
Find answers to frequently asked questions about Educational Talent Search. See the most common topics and more.
