Talent Search | TRIO | Abilene Christian University

About Us

TRIO Talent Search is a free college access and completion program that helps Abilene Independent School District students in grades 6-12 plan for college, discover their career paths, apply to schools and maximize financial aid. We support students who will become the first in their families to attend college. Talent Search provides enrichment activities to disadvantaged students to encourage their completion of high school as well as entrance to and success in higher education.

Our mission is to equip and guide students to believe in themselves, to broaden their vision of the future and to impact the world positively.

Talent Search began at ACU in 2002. This program is funded to serve over 500 students per academic year under Title IV of the Higher Education Act. It is one of the seven programs designated as TRIO programs that exist across the United States.

Services

Talent Search advisors work with students selected for the program from as early as 6th grade until enrollment in college. The advisors initiate workshops and enrichment services, which help create an environment where the students can recognize their abilities to shape and mold their futures. The majority of Talent Search activities are conducted at school during regular school hours. Students are pulled from classes for Talent Search participation in group and individual sessions.

Local and statewide post-secondary colleges, universities and technical schools are explored to provide opportunities that align with each student’s interests. For each participant, emphasis is placed on graduation from high school and enrollment in an academic or vocational post-secondary program.

Application Process

Eligibility

A student’s primary goal must be to attend college, university or technical school to pursue a postsecondary or vocational degree.

Talent Search provides college preparation and enrollment services to students that meet the following criteria:

Potential for education at the postsecondary level
First-generation college student (neither parent holds a four-year college degree)
Economically disadvantaged (family’s taxable income does not exceed 150% of the annually established poverty level)

Students must be between the ages of 11 and 27 years and have completed the fifth grade. Per government regulations, two-thirds of the participants must be students who are low income and potential first-generation college students.

How to Apply

Fill out and submit the online application form.

Talent Search Application

Alternatively, you may download the application form.

Please return the completed application:

via email
talentsearch@acu.edu

via U.S. mail
c/o TRIO Talent Search
1929 South 11th
Abilene, TX 79602

Once the application is received, it will be reviewed, and the student will be notified with further instruction from Talent Search.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between TRIO Talent Search and TRIO Upward Bound?

Both are TRIO programs as designated by the federal government, but Talent Search serves up to 518 students a year in the 6^th-12^th grade and is held at school during the school day.

Upward Bound provides more specific services, such as tutoring, and serves only 65 9th-12th grade students with an academic need. It is held on ACU’s campus three days per week, after school and some Saturdays, and includes a summer component.

Both programs emphasize high school graduation and pursuing post-secondary education.

Will you help me learn to sing and dance?
No, Talent Search is the name the government assigned to this TRIO grant, which helps students obtain their educational talent. We do, however, enjoy singing and dancing.

What is TRIO, and what do you do?

TRIO is the national brand for the government grant that is held by ACU. We work with students in the Abilene Independent School District.

TRIO Talent Search at ACU serves Abilene High School and Cooper.

How much does the program cost and do I apply each year?

This program is free for participating students.

You do not have to apply each year. Once you are in TRIO Talent Search, you are eligible until high school graduation.

What is FAFSA, and do you help with it?

Yes, we have many sessions set up to help parents and students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can even make an appointment with the office to have a one-on-one FAFSA meeting. Everyone fills one of these out every year of college.

Will you pay for our college?

No, but we will help you find and apply for scholarships that are right for you.

Meet the TRIO Talent Search Team

Dustin West

Director of TRIO Pre-College Programs
Email: rdw16b@acu.edu

Dustin West is the Director of TRIO Pre-College Programs, overseeing both TRIO Upward Bound and TRIO Talent Search. Dustin is a first-generation college graduate and is currently working on his Ed.D. (Doctor in Education) at ACU. He has spent almost all of his career working in Higher Education, ranging from advising and recruitment to financial aid. Being a part of a student’s story is part of his purpose, and he loves working with students. He is married and has two children.

Kimberly Crockett portrait.

Kimberly Crockett

Administrative Coordinator

Kimberly Crockett attended San Angelo State University, and for the past 16 years she worked as an Office Manager in a doctor’s office. As Administrative Coordinator for TRIO Talent Search, she is responsible for all student records, all office management and making sure the advisors have the available supplies to work with students in schools. She is married to Philip and has three children and three grandchildren.

Lalena Carpenter portrait.

LaLena Carpenter

Middle School Advisor

Email: lnc25a@acu.edu

LaLena serves as the middle school advisor for the TRIO Talent Search program. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Education from McMurry University and a Master’s degree in Counseling from Sul Ross State University. After dedicating 30 years to public education—serving in the Clyde, Eula, and Midland school districts- she retired in June 2025. She finds great fulfillment in helping students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed, achieve their goals and often surpass their own expectations. Outside of work, she treasures time spent with her family. Her husband, Dwain, and she are proud parents of two sons, two daughters-in-law and grandparents to seven wonderful grandchildren.

Amy Hancock

Associate Director

Email: ako07b@acu.edu

Amy is thrilled to be joining the Talent Search Team this year as the high school advisor and Associate Director. In the past, she had the privilege of working with the Upward Bound program, teaching at both the junior high and high school levels and coaching. She is passionate about helping students discover their strengths, explore career interests and set meaningful goals for the future. When she is not working, you can usually find her with family and friends, out in nature or on the volleyball court. A few of her favorite things include sharing good laughs, enjoying dessert and spending time outdoors.