North Central Missouri College’s Talent Search program recently received notice of a five-year grant renewal, allowing it to continue helping students explore careers, prepare for college and build confidence in their futures.

Talent Search is one of three federally funded TRIO programs at NCMC, along with Upward Bound and Student Support Services. TRIO’s history began with Upward Bound in 1964, followed by Talent Search in 1965. Today, TRIO includes eight programs supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

NCMC received its first Talent Search grant in 2021. The program provides resources and support for students who have the potential to succeed in postsecondary education.

NCMC Talent Search serves students in grades six through 12 in the St. Joseph School District. While the program is open to all students in those grades, participants are selected through a process that gives priority to students from income-eligible backgrounds who would be first-generation college students.

The renewed grant will allow the program to serve 600 students and provide opportunities they might not otherwise experience. Services include tutoring, academic advising, career exploration, camps and activities that develop financial literacy, study skills, and life and career skills. Students also explore science, technology, engineering, math and artificial intelligence concepts and participate in career and cultural field trips.

As students enter high school, services expand to include help with course selection, ACT preparation workshops, college visits, financial aid and college applications, along with other support.

“It hardly seems possible that Talent Search is preparing to begin its sixth year. Looking back over the past five years, enrollment has grown from 281 students in 2021-22 to 521 in 2025-26. After operating at capacity for the past three years, we are preparing to reach more students,” reads a release about he program from the college.

While workshops, field trips, tutoring and other services remain important, some of Talent Search’s greatest benefits, according to leadership, develop through the relationships students build along the way.

“One of those benefits is a positive relationship with a Talent Search adviser. These advisers become more than instructors. They become mentors who help students navigate academic challenges and pursue personal goals,” reads the release.

Another important part of Talent Search is helping students build confidence and self-esteem.

“Seeing them grow in their knowledge and abilities while becoming more confident in themselves is truly gratifying. Career exploration is woven into Talent Search experiences, helping students connect their interests with opportunities for fulfilling careers,” states the release.