TRIO | Educational Talent Search

Recruitment events are held at participating schools in the fall and spring of each year. Students and parents may request applications by contacting the Educational Talent Search office located on the Pensacola State College campus on College Blvd, Building 6, Room 675, or by calling (850) 484-1620.

Talent Search applications can be completed online at the following link: https://botform.compansol.com/231374506529054

Students must meet several criteria to participate in ETS program activities, school visits and workshops:

• U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Potential to pursue a postsecondary program of study
• Maintain a 2.0 or higher grade point average
• Demonstrate a need
• Participate in ETS specialists’ planned lessons and program activities
• Attend a participating school

Student participation in the ETS program requires both student and parent involvement.

Parental involvement:

• Request an ETS application. Complete, sign and return the application along with requested documentation.
  • Provide proof of family income
    • Last year’s income tax return
    • Proof of untaxed income (SSI, Social Security, Worker’s Compensation, etc.)
• Participate in ETS sponsored family workshops

Student involvement:

• Maintain high academic standards
• Middle school students meet with the Middle School Student Services Specialist twice a month for 15-20 minutes
• High school students meet with the High School Student Services Specialist individually or in small groups a minimum of four times for 15-20 minutes during the school year
• Participate in weekly planned activities which are designed to help students transition from high school to college
• MANDATORY: Complete and submit college applications upon reaching 12^th grade
• MANDATORY: Provide copies of college acceptance letters to ETS counselor during senior year
• MANDATORY: Meet with ETS counselor to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or provide ETS counselor with FAFSA proof of submission during senior year
• Enroll in a 2-4 year college or university, or a vocational or certificate training program after high school graduation

TRIO Educational Talent Search is located on the Pensacola Main Campus in Building 6, Room 675.

Phone (850) 484-1620

Juanita Edwards, Director
(850) 484-2533
jedwards@pensacolastate.edu
Mrs. Juanita Edwards began working as the TRIO Educational Talent Search Program Director in 2018.  She previously worked for the Escambia County School District for 35 years, where she served as a school administrator, administrative dean, guidance counselor, and high school English teacher.  She has a Master’s degree in School Counseling from Troy State University and certification in Educational Leadership from the University of West Florida. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Florida State University.

Lori Miller, Student Services Specialist
(850) 484-1693
lmiller@pensacolastate.edu
Mrs. Lori Miller started working at TRIO Educational Talent Search in 2023. Previously, she worked 23 years as a teacher, technology coordinator, and media specialist for the Escambia County School District. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of South Alabama. Mrs. Miller’s certifications include K-12 Reading, K-12 Media Services, Driver Education, and K-6 Elementary Education.

Amanda Nissim, Student Services Specialist
(850) 484 -1619
anissim@pensacolastate.edu

Mrs. Nissim started working at TRIO Educational Talent Search in 2024, as a high school specialist. Her professional career includes an award-winning career in broadcast journalism, advertising/public relations, and substitute teaching. With strong communication skills, creative problem-solving abilities, and a talent for building authentic relationships, Mrs. Nissim brings energy and vision to help students discover and achieve their goals. She attended J.M. Tate High School and earned her bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from Western Kentucky University.

Deana Martin, Student Services Specialist
(850) 484-1678
demartin@pensacolastate.edu
Mrs. Deana Martin started working at TRIO Educational Talent Search in 2024. Before joining our team, she worked 23 years as a teacher and media specialist for the Escambia County School District. She received her Associate of Arts degree from Pensacola State College and her Bachelor’s in Education from the University of West Florida. Mrs. Martin’s certifications include middle school and high school Language Arts and Social Studies and K-12 Media Services.

Kayla Uram, Recruitment/Retention Specialist and Administrative Assistant
(850) 484-1620
kuram@pensacolastate.edu
Mrs. Kayla Uram began working at TRIO Educational Talent Search in 2020 as our Recruitment & Retention Specialist. Prior to joining the team, she served as a Manager in the University of West Florida Writing Lab. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in General Studies with dual minors in Hospitality and Health Promotion from the University of West Florida.

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