Talent Search Program

Every student has talent! 

We help students to explore their interests and learn the skills to create a strong plan for life after high school through:

1. Career Exploration

Students take surveys in values, skills, and interests in order to help guide them towards a field that is aligned with their talents, interests and goals.  Students learn all about career sectors and possible career paths in a variety of industries. Professional guest speakers are brought into school sites for Career Week and to meet with appropriate classes to help students think about the skills they are learning in school and how they can be applied to careers in the future.  Talent Search organizes a College & Career Day at FRC for juniors and seniors from all schools, where students can have meaningful conversations with adults who are working in a wide variety of careers and industries, as well as talk with reps from various CSUs, UCs, private 4-year colleges and local community colleges.

2. Building Financial Literacy

Students learn skills of personal finance needed to assist them in navigating their first years out of high school.  Budgeting, banking, credit and financial aid for college are covered as well as long-term planning to help students think about how they will finance or invest in their goals. Talent Search develops specific vocabulary across the grade levels from 6 to 12 and spirals through difficult concepts to help our students have equal advantage to their peers as they graduate. These are hosted through a variety of personal development workshops in the classroom and through partnership events, like Ca$h for College Night hosted every winter at the TRiO school sites to help families navigate FAFSA, Calgrants, and a variety of other financial aid opportunities.

3. Focusing on STEM

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, and it’s all about exploring the world through curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving. These disciplines come together to shape the future, driving innovation and tackling real-world challenges.

At our program, we bring STEM to life with hands-on projects that inspire curiosity and teamwork. From building walking robots and launching bottle rockets to tackling environmental clean-up projects, designing civil engineering solutions, and creating hydraulic claws, our activities are designed to spark excitement and deepen understanding. Each kit and project invites students to think critically, explore new ideas, and apply their skills to make a difference in the world around them. STEM is more than just learning—it's doing, creating, and discovering!

4. College Tours & Pathways

As part of the TRiO Talent Search program, we believe that seeing is believing. Visiting college campuses allows students to step into a world of possibility, helping them envision themselves in higher education spaces and sparking their confidence in achieving a four-year degree. These visits are more than just tours—they’re a chance to connect with campus life, explore academic programs, and picture the future they’re working toward. As part of this committment, besides the Spring/Fall College tours, TRiO Supports the FRC College & Career Day for all SPJUSD and PUSD students in grades 11-12.

Our counseling supports students on this journey by providing personalized guidance on meeting California's A-G requirements, ensuring they are prepared for admission to the college or university of their choice. Together, we empower students to transform dreams into plans and possibilities into realities.

5. Personal Development Workshops & Experiences

At TRiO, we are dedicated to equipping students in grades 6-12 with the tools they need to thrive academically, socially, and personally. Our workshops focus on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), time management, goal-setting, leadership development, and more, ensuring that every student is supported on their journey to success.

In addition to these core workshops, we tailor our programs to meet the unique needs of each school site. Signature experiences include:

• 9th Grade Navigation Day at Feather River College: A collaborative event designed to introduce students to high school opportunities, foster connections, and ignite excitement for their academic journeys.
• Plumas to Pacific Excursion for 6th Graders: A hands-on exploration of the Feather River watershed, guiding students from local creeks to the Pacific Ocean in partnership with the Feather River Land Trust. This immersive experience blends environmental science with cultural and ecological awareness.
• 9th Grade Future Focus Camp & Ropes Course: A dynamic experience that helps students build leadership skills, set meaningful goals, and establish positive intentions as they transition into high school.

Through our workshops and experiential learning opportunities, TRiO inspires academic, career, and self-exploration, helping students develop the confidence and skills to pursue their dreams.