The question, “What do you want to do when you grow up?” may be intimidating to many students. The TRIO Talent Search program helps more than 500 local students from seven area middle and high schools explore their options and find a pathway to college, a career, or the military. TRIO is a collection of programs funded through the U.S. Department of Education. The first program started in 1964.
“These programs are a vital component to our education system and structure. The programs help students connect career goals to their educational needs. According to the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE), currently more than 860,000 economically disadvantaged, first-generation students are served by over 3,400 national programs,” said Sara Molski, director of TRIO.
TRIO Offers One-on-One Support
Throughout the year, TRIO staff visited partner schools weekly, providing one-on-one advising on academics, college planning, financial aid, and more.
Serving students in grades six through twelve, TRIO Talent Search partners with Marion City, Elgin, Ridgedale, Mount Gilead, Cardington-Lincoln, Upper Sandusky and Kenton schools. The program is now in the fourth year of a five-year grant cycle administered by Marion Technical College.
“TRIO programs provide a crucial support system, offering the resources and guidance that help our students overcome obstacles and achieve their goals,” said a staff member from Cardington-Lincoln. “We are grateful for TRIO’s dedication to empowering our students, ensuring they have the tools to succeed not just in education, but in life.”
Focus on First Generation College Students
The programs are aimed at students who may be the first generation of their families to attend college as well as students from low-income families. The goal is to explore many options and identify student interests and talents.
Goal: Enrolled, Employed or Enlisted by Graduation
The goal is to apply for several jobs, several colleges, or the military by the end of each student’s senior year.
“TRIO means stepping out of my comfort zone and being open to opportunities and experiences I might not normally have,” shared a junior from Upper Sandusky.
TRIO Combines Career Options and Fun Field Trips
In addition to regular school visits, TRIO hosted two major events during the academic year. This March, students traveled to Columbus for the Blue Jackets Health & Wellness Day at Nationwide Arena, where they heard from health professionals, skated on the ice, and attended an NHL game.
Finishing up the school year, 45 students attended Cleveland Guardians STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Day in May. They engaged in hands-on activities and connecting with professionals in science and technology fields. A highlight of the event was a Marion City Schools student catching a home run ball in the bleachers.
“TRIO programs are investments in our students’ futures, providing them with the skills and knowledge to make a meaningful contribution to society,” another Cardington-Lincoln staff member added.
Planning for Fall 2025
The TRIO Talent Search team is now planning fall activities, including campus visits.
One of Molski’s goals as the new director of the program is to establish job shadowing opportunities for students. Once students have the opportunity to explore careers, the TRIO Talent Search team connects students to the education and training needed for that career.
The office also plans to hold programming assisting students and families with financial literacy, paying and planning for college, and career opportunities in STEM.
For more info:
For more information or to follow program updates, visit TRIO Talent or follow them on facebook.com/mariontechtriotalentsearch.
Students and families can apply here.
Related articles:
Careers Made in Marion Expo Highlights Options For High School Seniors | MarionMade
TRIO Talent Search Opens Doors to College and Career Options | MarionMade
MarionMade! is a program of Marion Technical College.
