Talent Search

"The Talent Search program identifies and assists individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds who have the potential to succeed in higher education. The program provides academic, career, and financial counseling to its participants and encourages them to graduate from high school and continue on to and complete their postsecondary education."- U.S. Department of Education.

End of Semester Celebration!

Join your fellow Talent Search students on Saturday, December 7 from 11:00 am-2:00 pm at San Diego State University for a Celebration including fun activities, food, college student panel, and a tour!

Join SDSU Talent Search!

Our 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.

  • Assistance with financial aid
  • College/universities/vocational schools application support
  • Career and major exploration
  • Referrals to other programs, resources, and events
  • Educational Field Trips and summer camps
  • And much more!

How to Join:

A completed application is required for participation. Though our program targets students from low-income households who are the first generation in their families to pursue a college degree, up to 1/3 of our students do not meet these qualifications. A signed verification of your family's income is needed for statistical purposes. This information is kept confidential and used only to meet U.S. Department of Education Regulations.

   

Our Programs & Events:

The Office Of Community Engagement (which houses Talent Search) provides year-round and summer opportunities for high school students that allow them to prepare for college, explore career paths and practice leadership.

Find an Advisor

Contact one of our Advisors and find out how we can help you!

Anthony O'Leary

Anthony O'Leary

(619) 289-8926
[email protected]

Gerardo Chagolla

Gerardo Chagolla

(619) 940-4216
[email protected]

Kathia Trujillo

Kathia Trujillo

(619) 621-8425
[email protected]

Kyana Aledo

Kyana Aledo

(619) 839-7106
[email protected]

Perry Pitcher

Perry Pitcher

(619) 594-1219
[email protected]

Hear from our students!

Talent Search Student
2019
“This program was extremely helpful because in reality i had no idea what i was doing when i started filling out most of my college applications let alone when i started with my fafsa application. This program helped a lot with the understanding of the process and just being there for any questions i had.”
“Thanks to my advisor [who] has been there since day one for me to help me get the FAFSA done, applying to SDSU and sometimes even personal questions that I had she would always clear my mind up and make sure I had everything done and on point. This program helped me to be more successful, motivated, and realizing that the whole grown up life is a fews steps ahead of me.”
“The SDSU Robotics Camp was a wonderful experience, I enjoyed the chance to get to explore some campus areas and meeting new people”
“[What interested me about the workshops was] the chance to hear people speak about their work and how college and social skills really benefit you when going through college.”

Contact Us

Our offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

SDSU Talent Search
5500 Campanile Drive, Lamden Hall 410B
San Diego, CA 92182-1103

Connect With Us!

Follow us on social media and visit our Resources website for more information and opportunities.