Students, especially those who may become the first in their families to go into higher education, need to start planning early for college with the help of the Educational Talent Search program. Students as early as the 6th grade will be provided with educational information and encouragement as they begin to prepare for college. The program identifies and serves 600 students attending specific target area middle schools and high schools who are in grades 6 - 12 (ages 11-27), who meet the eligibility guidelines (first generation and/or economically disadvantaged) established by the U. S. Department of Education, and who have been identified as having the potential to succeed in college. Students are encouraged to have high expectations, to stay in school, to study hard, and to take the right courses to get ready for college. Services may also include academic counseling, college and financial aid information, ACT preparation, college campus visits, and career exploration. The program encourages students to graduate from high school and enroll in a college of their choice.