The Educational Talent Search program at Western Carolina University recently was awarded a five-year, $1.7 million grant to serve 780 students at five Western North Carolina high schools.

With funding from the U.S. Department of Education, WCU Educational Talent Search will embrace a new name – Project Discovery – while continuing the work of helping low-income and first-generation college-bound students complete high school and enroll in and graduate from the college of their choice.

The schools involved are Swain County High School, Robbinsville High School and Cherokee High School, all of which Educational Talent Search has served in the past, and Madison County High School and Buncombe County’s Erwin High School.

The program’s curriculum is designed to support students in their completion of a rigorous course of study, help them explore and learn about careers and colleges, assist them with SAT and ACT registration and preparation workshops, as well as providing fee waivers, college tours and assistance with college and financial aid applications.

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