Application & Information Release Form

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian,

Below is the online application for the Educational Talent Search Program.  This program is free to your child and is designed to give your child the tools they need to further their education beyond high school, either at the college level or a post high school training program.

Please complete the application below.  The parent letter, the final page before the form submission button, has more detailed information. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to one of our offices for assistance.

Vincennes University - Main:  812-888-4298

Vincennes University Gibson Center - E'ville:  812-888-2878

Sincerely,

ETS Staff

In order to fulfill United States Department of Education Regulations concerning parental college status and income disclosure, it is necessary to complete the following for participation in this grant program.

Federal TRIO Programs
Current-Year Low-Income Levels

(Effective January 15, 2025 until further notice)

Size of Family Unit	48 Contiguous States, D.C., and Outlying Jurisdictions	Alaska	Hawaii
1	$23,475	$29,325	$26,985
2	$31,725	$39,645	$36,480
3	$39,975	$49,965	$45,975
4	$48,225	$60,285	$55,470
5	$56,475	$70,605	$64,965
6	$64,725	$80,925	$74,460
7	$72,975	$91,245	$83,955
8	$81,225	$101,565	$93,450

For family units with more than eight members, add the following amount for each additional family member: $5,500 for the 48 contiguous states, the District of Columbia and outlying jurisdictions; $6,880 for Alaska; and $6,330 for Hawaii.

The term "low-income individual" means an individual whose family's taxable income for the preceding year did not exceed 150 percent of the poverty level amount.

The figures shown under family income represent amounts equal to 150 percent of the family income levels established by the Census Bureau for determining poverty status. The poverty guidelines were published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in the Federal Register on January 15, 2025 and are effective as of January 17, 2025.

The Release of Records is required for program participation.    I authorize counselors or schools' personnel to release my child’s transcript information regarding educational progress, behavior, attendance, free and reduced lunch eligibility, any financial aid award, and enrollment status to ETS. I authorize ETS to transmit this information for the purpose of assistance in making post-secondary educational plans.  I relieve ETS of any responsibility for accidents, illnesses, or injuries that may result from participation, and I authorize the use of my child’s photo in ETS publications, newsletters, and websites.  If I do NOT authorize ETS to use my child's photo for media purposes, I must email etsvu@vinu.edu with details and receive confirmation from the ETS Staff.  I also agree to encourage my student in his/her plans to successfully complete high school and enter an institution of post-secondary education.

I give ETS permission to contact my student and myself, via cell phone/text or email.  I will provide updated information to ETS by calling the office at 812-888-4298, if our address, phone number(s) or emails should be changed.

Please be advised that this information will be kept strictly confidential, and will be used only for eligibility determination, student demographic recordkeeping, federal reporting, and other administrative purposes.

By SIGNING, I certify that the information given here is true and correct and that I have read and agree to the TERMS AND CONDITIONS above for my student to participate in Educational Talent Search.

Office use only:  Received _______  Outreach Advisor _______   Director _______

 

Eligibility:  FG ______    LI ______  LI/FG ______   Other ______

Dear Parent/Guardian:

Educational Talent Search (ETS) is a TRIO Grant Program that is funded by the U.S. Department of Education, serving eligible students in grades 6 through 12. ETS supports and equips students who have the potential for post-secondary education, including college, university, technical, and vocational schools.  We offer services through group sessions and individual meetings held at their school. This is at NO COST to students.  ETS is 100% federally funded.  Outreach Advisors from ETS provide services and information on the following topics:

Career Exploration	Grant and Scholarship Searches
Academic Guidance/Advisement	Campus Visits
College Options & Requirements	College Selection
21st Century Scholars & Scholartrack	College Admission Process
Connections to Tutoring Services	FAFSA (Financial Aid Form)
Enrichment Activities	SAT/ACT Preparation

ETS serves students who demonstrate an interest or desire to attend college and strive for academic success.   ETS provides them with the encouragement and support to enroll in a program of postsecondary education after high school graduation.  

To be eligible for selection as an ETS participant, students must meet the following criteria:

• Two-thirds of our ETS participants must meet the Federal Department of Education (Taxable Income guidelines (see attached income worksheet) and be first generation (neither parent has a bachelor's degree). 
• Preference for the other one-third is given to those meeting one of the guidelines above.
• Students who do not meet the income or first-generation criteria may still be eligible for participation in the program, based on the availability of open positions and needs identified on the application.
• Individuals are at least 11 years old and have completed the 5th grade.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

Applying to the program is easy, a parent/guardian must complete the enclosed Application and Information Release Form.  In order to ensure we qualify students correctly; we ask that the Income Eligibility Worksheet be completed and returned.  A parent/guardian may also apply using our online application found at www.vinu.edu/ets or scan the QR code below.  

Please follow us on Facebook at ETS-Vincennes University for information on current activities, services, and reminders.

If you have any questions, contact us at 812-888-4298 (Vincennes Office) or 812-888-2878 (Ft. Branch Office).  

Sincerely, 

 

Educational Talent Search Staff

Educational Talent Search Staff

Enclosures

25-26 grant year

 ETS is 100% federally funded at $475,977/Effective 9-1-25 by the US Department of Education