COLUMBUS, Ohio (AVC News) — Ohio has been awarded $50 million through the federal Talent Search Grant program to help middle and high school students facing barriers to postsecondary education and training.
Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Mike Duffey announced the award Wednesday during ODHE’s annual Trustees Conference.
Ohio will receive $10 million annually for five years. The grant is expected to support 20,000 low-income and first-generation college students each year across 130 schools.
The program will place advisors in participating middle and high schools to connect students with resources including tutoring, career exploration, college application assistance and apprenticeship opportunities.
The grant application included partnerships with several higher education and community organizations, including College Now, the Educational Service Center of Central Ohio, Sinclair Community College, Toledo Tomorrow, the GRIT Project, Junior Achievement and the Cincinnati Youth Collaborative.
The federal Talent Search program is designed to increase the number of students from disadvantaged backgrounds who earn high school diplomas, enroll in postsecondary education and complete their programs.
Participating students can receive academic, career and financial counseling, assistance with college applications and information about financial aid and other postsecondary opportunities.
Last Updated on September 9, 2026 by AVC News
