Montgomery, AL – Today, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) announced over $2 million in funding for Alabama State University from the United States Department of Education. This funding will be used to support the university’s TRIO Talent Search program, which provides academic, career, and financial counseling to youth from disadvantaged backgrounds as they seek higher education. 

“I am thrilled to announce this round of TRIO Grant funding for Alabama State University! This funding is yet another transformative investment into our young people. I am excited to see how the resources provided by Alabama State’s Talent Search program will help young people pursue their dreams of graduating high school and going to college,” said Rep. Sewell. “As a result of systemic disinvestment, many of our most vulnerable students experience barriers to accessing higher education. Understanding this, we must continue to support programs that help ensure our most disadvantaged youth have the tools necessary to achieve their academic goals.” 

Background:

Alabama State University received a federal grant of $404,413 for a five-year period totaling $2,022,065 from the U.S. Department of Education for the continuation of the TRIO Educational Talent Search (ETS) program. ASU’s Talent Search program services 729 eligible participants in four counties, which include Montgomery, Elmore, Lowndes, and Autauga counties.

The Talent Search program identifies and assists individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who have the potential to succeed in higher education. The program provides academic, career, and financial counseling to its participants and encourages them to graduate from high school, continue to, and complete their postsecondary education. The program publicizes the availability of financial aid and assists participants with the postsecondary application process. Talent Search also encourages persons who have not completed education programs at the secondary or postsecondary level to enter or reenter and complete postsecondary education. The goal of Talent Search is to increase the number of youths from disadvantaged backgrounds who complete high school and enroll in and complete their postsecondary education.

“The Talent Search program at ASU has had the privilege of serving students in the River Region for approximately 30 years and we look forward to continuing to provide services, especially in this critical time and the effects of Covid-19. Students need additional support to advance academically,” said Dr. Acquanetta M. Pinkard, Director of ASU TRIO program. “These funds will allow us to continue to make an impact and forge lasting relationships in the community.”

The United States Department of Education announced the following awards, which total $4,160,558.00 for colleges in Alabama:

• $1,101,938.00 to Northwest-Shoals Community College
• $480,692.00 to Wallace State Community College-Hanceville 
• $388,881.00 to Central Alabama Community College
• $748,914.00 to Bevill State Community College
• $712,300.00 to Gadsden State Community College
• $404,413.00 to Alabama State University 
• $323,420.00 to George C. Wallace Community College