Leticia Jenkins, director for TRIO Educational Talent Search, told the School City of East Chicago Board of Trustees that the federally funded program serves first-generation, low-income and students with disabilities and is active in Hammond, East Chicago and the Lake Ridge area of Gary.

"We are a federally funded program by the Department of Education, and we service 1st gen, low income, and students with disabilities," Jenkins said, summarizing the program’s mission and target population.

TRIO staff emphasized the program’s long history and local footprint. The presenters said TRIO marked its 60th anniversary this year and that Talent Search specifically starts in sixth grade and provides monthly school visits, college and career exposure, STEM activities, social-emotional learning, financial-literacy instruction and transitional support for students heading to college.

Felicia Mahomes, program coordinator for TRIO Educational Talent Search, and Alyssa Annapolis, educational adviser, described local activity and impact. The presenters said the program currently serves 743 students across three districts and that roughly 20% of that caseload comes from East Chicago. They singled out partnerships with East Chicago Central High School and the district’s middle schools, and noted ongoing relationships with school counselors identified during the presentation.

TRIO staff described recent, concrete activities in the community: a FAFSA workshop held with East Chicago Central and a campus visit that brought Central students to Purdue Northwest. Jenkins told the board the program will request renewal of its Talent Search memorandum of understanding next year so the program can continue its services in East Chicago.

No board action was taken on the presentation. TRIO left contact information for follow-up and said staff and two students present would be available for questions after the presentation.

The presentation was given during the trustees’ regular meeting; TRIO requested future MOU paperwork and said it will follow the district’s process for renewing the Talent Search agreement.