What is Educational Talent Search (FOCUS) ?
We are part of what is known as TRiO, educational programs funded by the U.S. Department of Education. These programs were started in order to provide educational opportunity to all Americans regardless of race, ethnic, background, or economic circumstance. The programs are funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965.
SSC's FOCUS /Educational Talent Search Program serves students from the sixth through the twelfth grades. Our main purpose is to help students stay in and graduate from high school then proceed to some form of post secondary education.
We serve the following schools in Seminole, Pottawatomie, and Okfuskee counties:
- Bowlegs
- Butner
- Dale
- Earlsboro
- Justice
- Maud
- McLoud
- Macomb
- New Lima
- Paden
- Sasakwa
- Seminole
- Shawnee
- Strother
- Tecumseh
- Varnum
How do we serve students ?
During the school year, we conduct workshops each month to assist students with the following subjects: study skills, test-taking strategies, life skills, college and career. We also provide free tutoring, campus tours, and evening financial aid workshops for parents and students. In addition we provide academic workshop materials and handouts to participants.
For grades 6- 11 most activities are done in groups; seniors have both group workshops and individual appointments with our advisors. We consider the needs of seniors - getting to college and applying for financial aid - to be a top priority.
