Directory · Calendar

Educational Talent Search Program

• Educational Talent Search
• About the Center
• Academics
• Admissions
• Aloha & Welcome
• Directory for West Hawai'i Campus
• Disabilitiy Services Program
• Educational Talent Search Program
• FAQ's
• Library/Learning Center Services
• My UH Portal
• New Student Checklist
• Hawai‘i Community College
• University of Hawai'i in Hilo
• The University of Hawai'i System

The Program

Talent Search is one of eight Federal TRiO Programs. This program identifies and assists individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who have the potential to succeed in higher education. The program provides academic, career, and financial counseling to its participants and encourages them to graduate from high school and continue on to the postsecondary institution of their choice.

Talent Search also serves high school dropouts by encouraging them to reenter the education system and complete their education. The goal of Talent Search is to increase the number of youths from disadvantaged backgrounds who complete high school and enroll in postsecondary education institutions of their choice.

The Educational Talent Search Program at Hawai‘i Community College - West Hawai‘i Center was initiated in 1991 from a U.S. Department of Education Federal TRiO Program Grant.

The Vision: Educational Talent Search is committed to supporting, encouraging, and guiding our students in pursuing their dreams. “E kūlia i ka po‘okela, (Strive for Excellence).

The Mission: Our kuleana (responsibility) will be to prepare our students for the future by:

• Embracing diversity
• Motivating to fulfill hopes & aspirations
• Increasing awareness of self
• Increasing awareness of self

The Services

• Academic, financial, career, or personal counseling including advice on entry or re-entry to secondary or postsecondary programs
• Career exploration and aptitude assessment
• Tutorial services
• Information on postsecondary education
• Exposure to college campuses
• Information on student financial assistance
• Assistance in completing college admissions and financial aid applications
• Assistance in preparing for college entrance exams
• Mentoring programs
• Special activities for sixth, seventh, and eighth graders
• Workshops for the families of participants

Who is eligible

Students who meet the financial need criteria established by the Federal Government (applicant to provide application) and/or Students who are first generation college applicants (neither parent to have received a bachelor degree). Applicants must be:

• a student in grades 6 through 12 or
• any individual who has not completed high school or
• any adult who has not completed college (18 – 27 years)

All students must be U.S. citizens, American Nationals, or permanent residents of the U.S.

Contact Information

Educational Talent Search Program
Hawai’i Community College, West Hawaii
81-964 Haleki`i Street Kealakekua, HI 96750
(808)322-4860 Fax (808) 322-4855

Educational Talent Search Staff

Diane Dean, Student Services Specialist
email: ddean@hawaii.edu

Rae Godden, Educational & Administrative Support Specialist
email: godden@hawaii.edu

Lilinoi Grace, Student Services Specialist
email: lilinoi@hawaii.edu

Lauren Snow, Student Services Specialist
email: lsnow@hawaii.edu

(top)