Talent Search
Established in 1980, the University of Notre Dame’s Talent Search (TS) is a college access program that provides academic, career, and financial counseling to South Bend youth in grades seven through twelve—empowering them to graduate from high school and continue on to complete post-secondary education.
Academic Year Activities
Throughout the school year, Notre Dame’s Talent Search advisors offer in-school academic counseling to students, as well as informational workshops designed to equip students with the skills and information needed to prepare for, apply to, and succeed in college. Workshops focus on topics such as study skills, test-taking strategies, goal setting and achievement, the college admissions process, as well as financial literacy, student financial aid and scholarship assistance.
Talent Search students also receive individual tutoring and SAT/ACT test preparation from program staff and volunteers on the Notre Dame campus. Additionally, college tours and a variety of other activities are offered to expose students to valuable cultural, educational and career-focused information.
Summer Academy
During the summer, Talent Search hosts a two-week summer academy at the University of Notre Dame for rising eighth and ninth-grade participants —with the intent of reducing summer learning loss while simultaneously preparing students for the next grade level. Summer Academy participants receive academic enrichment in language arts and mathematics, exposure to career opportunities, as well as socio-cultural experiences.
Target Schools
Notre Dame’s TRIO Talent Search is designed to serve youth in grades 7–12 who attend South Bend Community School Corporation (SBCSC) schools listed below. TRIO Talent Search can also help South Bend students who attend other schools (i.e. tutoring, the college admissions process, 21st Century Scholars, etc.), as well as South Bend residents up to age 27 who are interested in starting/returning to college.
| Intermediate Schools | High Schools |
| Clay International Academy (K-8) | Adams High School |
| Dickinson Fine Arts Academy | Career Academy |
| Edison Middle School | Riley High School |
| Jackson Middle School | Washington High School |
| Jefferson Traditional School | |
| LaSalle Academy | |
| Navarre Middle School |