ESC to Partner with the Ohio Department of Higher Education on Talent Search Ohio Grant

Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) announced that Ohio has been awarded a federal Talent Search Grant of $50 million over the next five years. The Talent Search Ohio (TSO) program will receive $10 million annually to support 20,000 low-income and first-generation college students across 130 schools.

The ESC will partner with ODHE to ensure that participating students in Central Ohio have the tools to graduate high school and successfully transition into college, apprenticeships, or other high‑quality postsecondary options. Students will have access to career planning, tutoring, college and career advising, FAFSA and financial‑aid assistance, and other targeted resources to support them on their path.

The goal of the federal Talent Search program is to increase the number of children from disadvantaged backgrounds who earn a high school diploma, enroll in college, and complete their postsecondary education. In addition to providing academic, career, and financial counseling, the program assists participants with the college application process and publicizes available financial aid opportunities.

See Governor DeWine's announcement here: https://governor.ohio.gov/media/news-and-media/governor-dewine-announces-50-million-talent-search-grant-for-ohio

To learn more about the Talent Search Ohio program, see here: https://highered.ohio.gov/educators/grant-resources/talent-search

To learn more about the ESC's role in the program, please contact Robb.Gonda@escco.org.