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 Middle School applications can be completed online the following link: https://botform.compansol.com/201675075267055

Talent Search High School applications can be completed online at the following link: https://botform.compansol.com/202336350062948

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.

Lynne Butcher, Specialist

(850) 484-1619

lbutcher@pensacolastate.edu

Mrs. Lynne Butcher has worked as a TRIO Educational Talent Search Specialist in Escambia and Santa Rosa County Middle Schools since 1998 to present.  Prior to this, she worked as a Registrar’s Specialist Assistant at Pensacola State College and as a Staff Assistant in the Technical Vocational Department of the University of West Florida. She has a BS in Health, Leisure and Sports Education from the University of West Florida.

Marcy Matthews-Bethea, Specialist

(850) 484-1678

mmatthews-bethea@pensacolastate.edu

Mrs. Marcy Matthews-Bethea has worked as a TRIO Educational Talent Search Specialist since 2012.  She has over 18 years of experience working with young adults throughout Escambia County.  She has a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling K-12 from the University of West Florida.

Kim Smith, Student Service Specialist

(850) 484-1693

ksmith@pensacolastate.edu

Mrs. Kim Smith worked as an educator in Orange County Public Schools for 15 years where she taught high school social studies including Advanced Placement (AP) courses. She has a B.S. Degree in Social Studies Education from Florida State University (FSU) and holds a Social Studies Teaching Certification Grades 6-12.

Kayla Brown, Recruitment/Retention Specialist and Administrative Assistant

(850) 484-1620

kbrown@pensacolastate.edu

Ms. Kayla Brown has worked in TRIO Educational Talent Search since 2020. She has a Bachelor’s degree in General Studies and two minors in Hospitality and Health Promotion from The University of West Florida.

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