Office of Community Engagement
The SDSU Talent Search program will continue to provide college advising services as part of the newly named Office of Community Engagement within the SDSU Pre-College Institute.
The Office of Community Engagement will broaden its services to include work with disconnected youth and young adults, and to connect students to early work experience and apprenticeships. It will expand its holistic services for students and families to offer additional leadership, personal growth, and competitive academic and scholarship opportunities.
The office will invest in developing existing and new reciprocal relationships with school leaders, university faculty and administration, representatives, and community-based organizations to leverage our collective expertise.
Who are we?
San Diego State University Talent Search is a TRiO program funded by the U.S. Department
of Education to assist students in pursuing a postsecondary education. Talent Search
is a FREE program open to eligible 9th-12th grade students at participating high schools.
Contact your advisor today to see how Talent Search can help you!
Our academic advisors have extensive experience from diverse backgrounds (e.g., social
work, psychology, counseling and education) and we take a holistic approach in the
work that we do. We understand that our students might be facing challenges and potential obstacles
in addition to their academic careers. However, we strive to motivate and provide them
with academic, social and emotional support, and teach the importance of self-advocacy.
What do we do?
Your advisor can assist you with the following:
- Career exploration and selecting a major
- Choosing the classes required for college admission
- One-on-one academic advising (college eligibility)
- Provide encouragement, support and motivation (honoring your choices)
- Selecting and applying to universities, colleges and vocational schools
- Applying for financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and loans
- Financial literacy education (e.g., budgeting, and how to take out loans responsibly)
- Finding volunteer opportunities and internships
- Provide information on SAT/ACT tests, fee waivers, test-prep workshops and assist with registration
- Referrals to other programs, resources, and events that might be of interest to you
- Field trips to college campuses!
- In-class tutoring service provided by SDSU's Pathways tutors (through the College of Education)
- Seniors who are active in the program, receive a FREE Talent Search graduation sash
Take a look at our program flyer and newsletters!
Talent Search Tips: How to Ask for a Letter of Recommendation
Calendar of Events