History & Student Success
Educational Talent Search (ETS) is a grant program federally funded by the United States Department of Education's TRIO Programs with Minnesota State University, Mankato sponsorship. TRIO Programs are designed to help low-income and first-generation potential college students prepare for and succeed in higher education.
ETS was the 2nd federally funded TRIO program to be established through the MN Higher Education Act in 1965 which emerged out of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 in response to the administration's War on Poverty. For the first time, the federal government would help low-income students reach for educational equity and enter college.
Currently TRIO has 8 student-serving programs: Upward Bound, Talent Search, Student Support Services, Veterans Upward Bound, Educational Opportunity Centers, the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Program, and Upward Bound Math/Science.
More than 312,000 students are enrolled in 473 Talent Search TRIO projects nationwide.
The Educational Talent Search (ETS), a TRIO program at Minnesota State University, Mankato, began in 1985 and has received continuous funding every year to present. Currently, Minnesota State Univeristy, Mankato's ETS program serves 694 students each year.
Upon their graduation from high school, our students have entered a wide variety of postsecondary institutions in Minnesota and across the country. In addition, many have earned advanced degrees. Our alumni include teachers, engineers, doctors, lawyers, college professors, business owners, and commercial pilots among others.
Student Testimonials
Learn from past and present students about their experiences and what they have enjoyed and benefited from Educational Talent Search.
