1964 - 1968TRIO Programs
By the late 1960s, the term "TRIO" was coined to describe these federal programs (funded by the U.S. Department of Education) that help students overcome economic, social, academic, and cultural barriers to higher education.
About Us
Office of Community Engagement
The Office of Community Engagement (OCE) was established in 2021 to reflect the existing and aspirational offerings of the ITE unit funded by Educational Talent Search. While continuing to house SDSU Talent Search as its flagship program, OCE has expanded its scope to include several other distinct offerings.
OCE's primary focus is to work with youth and young adults, connecting them to higher education and early work experiences. The office provides person-centered services for students and their families in the areas of post-secondary planning, leadership, personal growth, and educational and economic attainment.
Furthermore, OCE invests in developing reciprocal relationships with school leaders, university faculty and administration, local representatives, and community-based organizations. By leveraging our collective expertise, we aim to positively contribute to educational and economic equity in the region.
Our office partners with educators, parents, and community organizations to support students achieve their dreams.Serving San Diego County
Advising Team:
Gerardo Chagolla
" Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid of standing still"- Chinese proverb.
"As a program, we will be along to provide support for your individual journey, whatever it may be. With everything ahead, reach out to us so we can continue supporting your path and growth."
Gerardo Chagolla serves students at the O'Farrel and Southwest High Schools.
Anthony O'Leary
"Originally from San Diego and a proud UCLA graduate, I'm excited to give back to my community by supporting students in their journey to higher education. Having navigated the challenges of being a first-generation student, I understand the importance of resources and encouragement. As a Talent Search advisor, I'm committed to helping students reach their goals by offering personalized support and guidance, ensuring they know they're not alone in their academic pursuits. I look forward to working with you and supporting your success!."
Anthony O'Leary serves students at Crawford High School.
Open the image full screen.Kyana Aledo
"My advice to students who are part of the Talent Search Program is that you get what you put in. This program and this experience are only as good as you make it. Rather than going to more field trips, lunch meetings, or seeing advisors more, have a drive to reach your goals. "
Kyana Aledo serves students at Lincoln High School.
Open the image full screen.Kathia Trujillo
"Talent Search helped me believe that I could achieve college as a first-generation and second-language student. Now, as an advisor, I want to pay it forward and support students in achieving their academic goals. I aim to provide my students with the support and networking opportunities that make them feel seen and heard, reminding them that they're not alone. I want to create an environment where they know there are people just like them, and that others are willing to listen and support them throughout their academic journey."
Kathia Trujillo serves students at Montgomery and Castle Park High Schools.
Open the image full screen.Perry Pitcher
"I am originally from Seattle, Washington, and have recently graduated with a Bachelors in Liberal Arts in Psychology, and a minor in Counseling and Social Change from San Diego State University. I'm passionate about directing impactful programs, advocating for diverse communities and contributing to the overall success of individuals in need. Cant' wait to meet you all!"
Perry Pitcher serves students at Morse and Hoover High Schools.
Administrative Team:
Jessica Sandoval
"I am a first-generation, immigrant, latina and SD City College/SDSU Alumn. I'm happy to be part of the SDSU Talent Search and ITE commmunities where we get to support students and witness their success stories and accomplishments. As the Information Coordinator, I work on our program's media platforms and collaborate across various teams to make sure students and their families understand all the necessary information for college enrollment and wellbeing.
Hanna Tekle
"I was born and raised in San Diego, California, and attended East Village Middle College High School, where I took dual enrollment courses, received valuable support from teachers, professors, and counselors to aid my higher education journey. Currently, I am in my third and final year at SDSU, majoring in Integrated Marketing Communications. I am thrilled to join the Talent Search team as a media liaison/office assistant, where I will be creating content, engaging with everyone and supporting the success of many future leaders!"
Making History
Over the years, we have build up our office, our programs, but most importantly our community. By collaborating with partner schools, faculty and community supporters we have been able to uphold our mission of advancing the education and resources accessible to underserved students. Click below to view some of our hallmark moments and achievements.
1983 - PresentSDSU Institute for Transformative Education
Founded by Dr. Cynthia Park, the Institute for Transformative Education (ITE), formerly known as the Pre-College Institute, became an official center of the university in the early 2000s. In the early 1980s, Park began work to establish the infrastructure that supports the Pre-College Institute. ITE continues to promote college access and completion for underserved students, implements innovative programs to enhance excellence in teaching and learning in multicultural settings and studies their outcomes.
1992 - PresentTalent Search Program was created
The U.S. Department of Education awarded SDSU ITE its first Talent Search grant, creating the SDSU Talent Search program to provide college advising services to underserved San Diego communities.
07/02/1964Upward Bound
The history of TRIO began with Upward Bound, which emerged out of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 in response to President Lyndon Johnson's War on Poverty.
10/31/1968Student Support Services
In 1968, Student Support Services was authorized by the Higher Education Amendments and became the third in a series of educational opportunity programs.
09/01/1983SDSU ITE is founded
Dr. Cynthia Park founded the Institute for Transformative Education (ITE), formerly the Pre-College Institute, at San Diego State University.
07/01/2008Pathways
The Pathways office was created to provide SDSU students a supportive learning community of scholars, enrolling in a service-learning course and engaging in an early fieldwork experience. SDSU students provide in-class and after school support in math, science, AVID, English, Spanish, and early literacy in 25 partner schools. Tutors build community, earn course credit, and give back. We have paid and volunteer positions available each semester.
06/20/2016SDSU ITE Launches Destination: College
Destination: College is a project designed to mitigate summer melt (when prospective college students fail to matriculate in the fall after high school graduation). The services we provide consist of 1) Proactive counselor outreach to students and 2) Text messaging campaigns to students, identifying important summer tasks to complete.
07/01/2010SDSU ITE STEM² Exploration Day
The SDSU Institute for Transformative Education invited and welcomed local students and teachers to join us for our first annual STEM Exploration Day, filled with labs and hands-on workshops focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
03/21/2023Career Day
The Institute for Transformative Education (ITE) hosted its first Career Day for 7-9th grade students at San Diego State University. Students learned more about the PCI programs, listened to a career and college student panels and participated in different career workshops.
11/08/1965Talent Search
In 1965, Talent Search, the second outreach program, was created as part of the Higher Education Act.
07/01/1992Educational Talent Search
SDSU ITE was awarded its first Talent Search grant to provide college advising services in 6 San Diego high schools and 4 middle schools. Academic Advisors meet with students one-on-one or in small groups to explore career choices, review academic course requirements, inform students about SAT and ACT registration, assist students with college and financial aid applications. Students also have the opportunity to participate in college visits throughout California.
01/01/2017Talent Search Mentoring
SDSU ITE was awarded a second Talent Search grant, allowing the program to expand and provide services to two additional schools (Lincoln and O’Farrell) and one additional middle school (Bell).
07/11/2022Robotics Camp
The SDSU Systems and Intelligence (SMILE) Lab and SDSU Talent Search partnered to host a week-long Robotics Camp where high school students from different backgrounds learned about coding and STEM pathways. Students got the opportunity to explore the SDSU campus, visit STEM labs and practice with Robots and drones.
06/01/2018Summer Leadership Academy
SDSU Talent Search staff hosted a week-long summer camp for 9-12th grade students. The Summer Leadership Academy offered engaging team-building activities and workshops regarding college readiness, digital literacy, social and storytelling skills (to name a few) in order to increase their potential for academic success in the upcoming school years as a way to identify future student mentors for their younger peers
07/08/2019YSP-Reach
Also known as the Neuroengineering Camp, YSP-Reach allows students to engage in hands-on activities and gain exposure to research in the fields of computer science, engineering, cognitive science, math, and more. YSP-REACH is a program through the Center for Neurotechnology, a National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center headquartered at University of Washington, with MIT and SDSU as core partners. SDSU professor, Dr. Mahasweta Sarkar, is the center’s co-director of education, and has partnered with our Talent Search program to connect with talented young scholars from local high schools.
01/01/2021Office of Community Engagement is created
The Office of Community Engagement was created to house the Talent Search Advising services and include work with community-based organizations and early workforce opportunities.
09/01/2022Talent Search Grants add Twain and SD Adult School
The 2022 grant renewal of SDSU Talent Search included the addition of Mark Twain High School and San Diego Adult School, allowing the program to serve non-traditional students in high school.
Contact Us
Our offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
PCI Office of Community Engagement
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-1103
San Diego, CA 92182-1103