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Early College Programs

Talent Search Program 

Empower Your Future: Discover our Talent Search Program

The Talent Search Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, prepares middle and high school students for college by providing free, ongoing support. It helps students graduate high school, enroll in college, secure financial aid or scholarships, and complete a postsecondary degree. Services include academic advisement, test preparation, study skills workshops, dual enrollment guidance, career exploration, college admissions assistance, financial aid support, and cultural events. Sessions are available in-person at LSSC campuses and virtually after school during the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms.

The image is divided into two sections. The top section shows four students walking together outdoors, carrying books and backpacks. The bottom section shows a student sitting at a desk in a library, working on a laptop.

Overview

Talent Search is a college preparatory program funded by the U.S. Department of Education for qualifying students in selected middle and high schools determined to attend their chosen college. We aim to ensure program participants graduate from high school, apply for enrollment at and enter the college of their choice, secure financial aid/scholarships to pay for their college education, and graduate with a postsecondary educational degree.

The program provides free and ongoing student support services.

To apply, please visit our application page and follow the instructions provided.

Program Highlights

Talent Search offers program participants the following student support services:

  • Academic Advisement
  • FSA/EOC/ACT/SAT Test Prep
  • Supplemental Instruction in Math / Homework Assistance for Middle School Students
  • Study Skills/Decision Making / Financial Literacy Workshops
  • Dual Enrollment Guidance
  • Career Exploration for College
  • College Admissions Assistance / College Tours (in-state and out-of-state) / Financial Aid Guidance / Scholarship Support
  • Cultural and Educational Events
  • In-person at partnering middle and high schools, LSSC’s Leesburg, South Lake, and Sumter campuses, and virtual after-school and Saturday sessions.

Flexible Learning Options: In-Person at partnering middle and high schools, LSSC’s Leesburg, South Lake, and Sumter campuses, and virtual after school and Saturday sessions. 

Eligibility requirements: 

  • Currently enrolled at a participating middle school within Lake or Sumter County (Carver, Oak Park, Umatilla, Gray, Windy Hill, South Sumter, Wildwood). 
  • Currently enrolled at a participating high school within Lake or Sumter County (Eustis, Leesburg, Umatilla, South Lake, East Ridge, South Sumter, Wildwood). 
  • Low-income households as defined by the federal TRIO Regulations. 
  • GPA 3.0 or higher.

Partnering Middle School

  • Carver Middle
  • Gray Middle
  • Oak Park Middle
  • South Sumter Middle
  • Wildwood Middle
  • Windy Hill Middle

Partnering High Schools

  • Eastridge High
  • Eustis High
  • Leesburg High
  • South Lake High
  • South Sumter High
  • Umatilla High
  • Wildwood High

 

Program Length

Program completion varies depending on the date of enrollment. Maximum – 7 years.

Program Cost

Tuition is 100% free.

Learn More

Outcomes

Graduates are guaranteed admission to UCF upon completion of A.A.

Dr. Felicia Shelton– Director of Educational Opportunity Programs
Colleen O’Neill– Assistant Director of Educational Opportunity Programs
Joanna Presy– Educational Opportunity Program Coordinator
Danielle Smith– Educational Opportunity Program Coordinator
Hailey Reid– Educational Opportunity Program Coordinator

 

EarlyCollege@lssc.edu or 352-435-6346

  1. Access the application page.
  2. Complete the application form.
  3. Submit necessary documents.

For more information, please contact our program at (352) 323-3606 or via email at TalentSearch@lssc.edu

Middle or high school students enrolled at a partnering school in Lake or Sumter County are eligible.

Yes, students must be first-generation, low-income, and motivated to attend college.

Students must have a 3.0 GPA or higher to qualify.

Transportation to LSSC, meals, supplies, and other essentials are provided free of charge.

Students who maintain favorable participation can earn the opportunity to join educational and cultural field trips.

Application Process

01

Review Admission Requirements

02

Talk to your counselor about your interest

03

Submit application and required documents

04

Follow instructions in acceptance letter

Enrolling at LSSC is quick and easy. Get Started Now!

OUR TEAM IS READY TO SUPPORT YOU!

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Over 8,600

Students

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Student To Faculty Ratio

30+

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