Assessing the Efficacy of the Talent Search Program

Authors

Martha Jane Sales, Western Kentucky UniversityFollow

Publication Date

8-2008

Advisor(s) - Committee Chair

Dr. Tracy Lara (Director), Dr. Aaron W. Hughey, Dr. Cynthia Mason

Comments

Research project approved by the Human Subjects Review Board, Western Kentucky University (HS08-193), April 28, 2008; permission letters on file from Allen County-Scottsville High School, Bowling Green High School, Caverna High School, all in Kentucky.

Degree Program

Department of Counseling and Student Affairs

Degree Type

Education Specialist of Counseling and Student Affairs

Abstract

The current study assessed the efficacy of one TRIO program, Talent Search. This study compared the postsecondary enrollment of Talent Search participants and non participants. The comparison was conducted on a sample of 284 low-income college ready seniors from three south central Kentucky high schools. Results indicated that low-income students participating in the Talent Search program did enroll at a significantly higher rate than non-participants. This study also examined if the length of time students participated in the Talent Search program was significantly related to postsecondary enrollment. Results indicated no significant correlations. Additionally, this study examined if a relationship in postsecondary enrollment among Talent Search participants as related to their classification by Talent Search eligibility criteria of (a) low income only, (b) first generation only, and (c) both low-income and first generation exist. Results indicated no significant correlations. The findings in this study will help provide support of the effectiveness of TRIO, particularly Talent Search.

Disciplines

Education | Student Counseling and Personnel Services

Recommended Citation

Sales, Martha Jane, "Assessing the Efficacy of the Talent Search Program" (2008). Masters Theses & Specialist Projects. Paper 1.
https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/1