Maine Educational Talent Search is a compensatory program designed to help low income and potential first-generation college students in grades six through twelve aspire to, prepare for, and enter college. Talent Search students generally come from families in which neither parent has a four year college degree. Typically, students and their families often do not consider college as an option; they do not feel they have the necessary money or, the parents do not advocate for postsecondary education due to their lack of first-hand experience and awareness of college. Due to a variety of other reasons, these students are considered "at-risk" of not graduating from high-school and continuing on to college. With the assistance of teachers and school counselors, Talent Search students are selected on the basis of their potential to do college prep level course-work in high school.

The Maine Educational Talent Search Program utilizes a developmental approach in the design of its curriculum and delivery of services in order to ensure a crystallized awareness of educational choices for career planning and future personal growth. At the middle school level, METS advisors help students assess their study habits and acquire more productive study skills, assist in the transition to high school, encourage enrollment in college preparatory courses, explore careers, and examine postsecondary educational opportunities through college visitations. During the high school years, academic monitoring and skill building continue to be provided. However, METS advisors at this level provide a more intensive exploration and research of careers and the college application process from selection, to financial aid, to surviving the first year at college.

© 2008 Maine Educational Talent Search (METS)

The Maine Educational Talent Search Project is funded entirely by the US Department of Education. The grant award for 2007-2008 is $510,255.

In complying with letter and spirit of applicable laws and in pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System shall not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, including transgender status or gender expression, national origin or citizenship status, age, disability, or veterans status in employment, education, and all other areas of the University. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Questions and complaints about discrimination in any area of the University should be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity, the University of Maine, 5754 North Stevens Hall,Room 101, Orono, ME 04469-5754, telephone (207) 581-1226 ( voice and TDD) TYY (207) 581-9484.

This site last revised 3/3/2008 Comments or questions? Send email to Steve Visco (visco@umit.maine.edu)