Building Communities. Empowering Lives.
Building Communities. Empowering Lives.
The TRIO Talent Search (ETS) program, hosted by Near North Development Corporation and funded by the U.S. Department of Education, is a free college access and success program for low-income, first-generation high school students.
Comprehensive academic planning and college readiness support
Expert assistance with FAFSA, scholarships, and financial planning
One-on-one mentoring and peer support networks
All services are free to eligible students and their families.
✓ Personalized academic planning and course selection
✓ One-on-one college and career guidance
✓ Leadership development and peer support
✓ College campus visits and cultural enrichment activities
✓ Monthly college readiness workshops
✓ SAT/ACT preparation and tutoring
✓ FAFSA completion assistance
✓ Scholarship search and application help
✓ Financial literacy and planning education
✓ Free tutoring in core academic subjects
✓ SAT/ACT test prep
✓ Individual and group study sessions
We proudly partner with Chicago Public Schools to reach motivated students who:
Are currently in 9th to 12th grade
Are first-generation college-bound or from low-income families
Show academic promise and motivation to succeed
To prepare, inspire, and guide students to enter, succeed, and graduate from higher education — breaking barriers and creating opportunities for brighter futures.
80%
Participants are first-generation, low-income students achieving higher education goals
513
Students served Across 3 Chicago-area school districts (2023- 2024)
66%
Talent Search seniors successfully enrolled in college in 2024
58
Years of continuous service in affordable housing, education, and community development.
To participate in our Educational Talent Search program, students must meet specific federal guidelines
Are currently in 9th to 12th grade
Are first-generation college-bound or from low-income families
Show academic promise and motivation to succeed
We’re here to guide and support students every step of the way
Tani Silas
Program Director
tsilas@near-north.org
Jalen Charles
Program Coordinator
jcharles@near-north.org
Andrea Shadd
Mentor
ashadd@near-north.org
Join the hundreds of students transforming their futures through the TRIO Talent Search program.
