Colorado State University celebrates the richness of its Land-Grant Mission through the recognition of the CSU Educational Talent Search program, which began through the Department of Education 50 years ago.
Helping students achieve success
The TRIO Educational Talent Search program empowers first-generation college students to achieve and complete post-secondary educational goals through a variety of college preparation services. Talent Search has been helping students achieve success at CSU for 27 years. Originally funded through an initiative from President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Higher Education Act of 1965, the Talent Search program has touched the lives of thousands of students from Colorado, raising awareness about educational post-secondary access opportunities and providing guidance through the process.
“The TRIO Educational Talent Search program has been part of CSU tradition since 1988,” said Lucia V. Delgado, Director of College Access at CSU. “Serving first-generation college students from throughout Colorado’s limited-income communities, the Talent Search program provides outreach to students and families by raising awareness and providing support to students as they aim to achieve post-secondary education. Hundreds of students have entered the CSU Ram Family through the Talent Search program and successfully achieved their post-secondary degrees. It is with the ongoing support of CSU faculty, staff and administration that the Talent Search program continues to make a positive impact in the lives of first-generation students throughout Colorado.”
“Honestly, had I not been a part of Talent Search, I would never have thought about going to college,” said Jordan Bills, Colorado State University and Talent Search alumna. “Talent Search took me on so many college visit trips that I was able to see people who looked like me and came from where I did. It made me feel like college was the best option for me.”
Help celebrate during The Homecoming Parade
In honor of the 50th anniversary of Talent Search, CSU’s Access Center will sponsor a float during the CSU Homecoming parade at 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 16. Talent Search alumni are encouraged to walk the parade route alongside the float. Alumni and guests are invited to join faculty and staff at CSU’s Access Center immediately after the parade at about 6 p.m. at the TRIO House located at the corner of College and Lake Streets (1405 S. College Ave). Music and food will be provided.
“We invite alumni of the Talent Search program to join us in the celebration and to share their memories about the program and their time at CSU with staff and alumni,” said Delgado.
