TRIO ETS

TRIO Educational Talent Search

Educational Talent Search is a free federal pre-college program for 6th through 12th grade students at partner schools in Colusa and Yolo counties. ETS advisors work with students throughout middle and high school on course planning, college applications, financial aid, and campus visits.

An application is required to participate in this program.

Who ETS Serves

  • Students in grades 6 through 12 at a participating school in Colusa or Yolo County
  • Students who will be the first in their family to earn a four-year degree
  • Students from income-eligible households under federal TRIO guidelines
  • Families who want college planning support well before senior year
  • Students aged 11 and older, including 6th graders at Maxwell Elementary
View full eligibility info

Benefits

Someone in your corner from sixth grade through senior year.

ETS advisors meet with students individually twice a semester and in a group once a month, so the relationship builds over years rather than a single appointment. Every service is free to participating students and families.

No cost to families

Every ETS service is covered by the federal grant, including college entrance exam fee waivers.

Advising that follows the student

The same advisor works with a student across grade levels, so planning carries forward instead of restarting.

College campuses, seen in person

Day trips to UC Davis and Sacramento State and overnight tours of other California campuses.

Financial aid handled together

Hands-on FAFSA completion, scholarship applications, and workshops on paying for college.

Cultural and enrichment travel

Museums, performances, and cultural events alongside the college visits.

A path into college programs

Introductions to EOP, EOP&S, and SSS so students arrive on campus already connected.

How to Apply

Apply to TRIO ETS

Applications are open year round.
  1. 1.
    Submit your ETS Application online

    An ETS Staff member will evaluate your application and eligibility. If you’re missing any information in your application, our ETS staff will reach out to you.

Services

What do you need help with?

Services run year-round at partner school sites and through the TRIO office. Students and families can start with an application, or reach out to an advisor with questions first.

Locations & Hours

Woodland Campus

TRIO Office

Visit us in Bldg 800, Room 850

Regular Hours

Mon
–Fri
 8:00 am
–5:00 pm
Fridays are remote only

Colusa County Center

TRIO Office

Visit us in Rooms 120 & 121

Our Staff

ETS Specialists

Featured image for Christian Saavedra

Christian Saavedra

ETS Specialist, Woodland Community College

Jimena Angel

ETS Specialist, Colusa County Campus

Student Tutors/Mentors

Alexander Mendoza

ETS Tutor/Mentor

Karla Ruiz

ETS Tutor/Mentor

Our student tutors can help you with coursework, study skills, and exam preparation.

Program Lead

Featured image for Maria (Lupita) De Los Santos

Maria (Lupita) De Los Santos

Interim Assistant Director of Student Support Programs

Program Administration

Featured image for Dr. Caren Fernandez

Dr. Caren Fernandez
, Ed.D.

Dean of Student Success

Links & Resources

Happy student walking next to green campus space

Program Background

The mission of ETS is to help motivate, support, encourage and expose students to experiences that will enhance their potential to suc­ceed on the secondary level and in a higher education institute of their choice, while also promoting personal growth and cultural diversity.