Cal State Fullerton’s Talent Search program has been awarded two U.S. Department of Education grants that are expected to total $2.62 million over the five-year award period.
The program was established in 1991 to identify students from disadvantaged backgrounds who attended Anaheim, Katella, Magnolia and Savanna high schools — where 87 percent of the two student bodies are eligible for free or reduced-price lunches — and provide a wide range of services and support in order for these students to succeed in high school and enter a college or university.
The second grant will increase the reach of the program to students at Loara and Western high schools where a combined 78 percent of students are eligible for free/reduced fee lunches. At least two-thirds of participating students must be both first-generation students (the first in their families to graduate college) and low-income.
Through the two efforts, CSUF will be able to provide services to more than 1,100 students each year. The first grant will continue to support more than 600 students while the second grant allows for the addition of 510 new students.
For the 2014-15 school year, 97 percent of students (grades 9-11) moved to the next grade, 100 percent of the class of 2015 graduated from high school, and 90 percent of the class of 2015 graduates enrolled in college immediately following graduation.
“We are thrilled to be awarded two Talent Search grants,” said Melba Castro, director of educational partnerships. “We appreciate the support of Congressman Ed Royce in securing these funds, which will allow us to provide additional opportunities to enhance the lives of hundreds of students from Anaheim. This partnership with Anaheim Union High School District and the U.S. Department of Education will help foster the next generation of college graduates.”