Montana Educational Talent Search Program

Montana Educational Talent Search, located in Helena, Montana, is a federal TRiO program funded by the United States Department of Education.  Montana ETS is administered by the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education (OCHE), the administrative arm of the Montana Board of Regents.  With its unique position at the state level, Montana ETS supports and leads the ongoing initiative to strengthen the college access strategies of state and target area schools.  Montana ETS serves 1,325 eligible participants annually in five target areas. The five target areas are located on the Blackfeet, Flathead, Northern Cheyenne, and Crow reservations and the city of Great Falls.

Talent Search provides college preparatory services to students and families who are least likely to consider higher education as a realistic, viable or relevant option.  Services reinforce individual and shared identity for students centered on the common goal of college preparation, college success, and ultimately, community leadership and contributions. Services include individual counseling and academic advising, small group workshops, career site visits and exploration, campus orientation visits, higher education admissions and enrollment assistance, assistance targeted at key transition points, academic and cultural workshops, role model mentors, parental contacts and related efforts.