Frequently Asked Questions
Use this page to find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about Penn Talent Search. If your question isn’t listed here, feel free to contact us at vpse.talentsearch@upenn.edu.
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About the Program
What is Talent Search?
Talent Search is a federally funded TRIO program that provides FREE services to help students in grades 6 to 12 successfully enter and graduate high school and enroll in post-secondary education.
Who is it for?
The Penn Talent Search program is for Philadelphia residents in grades 6 through 12 who are motivated to pursue an education beyond high school. We proudly serve many first-generation-to-college and low-income students.
Additionally, our funding agency requires each Talent Search participant to be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States, or be in the United States for other than a temporary purpose and provide evidence from the Immigration and Naturalization Service of his or her intent to become a permanent resident.
Do I need to attend a specific school?
Penn Talent Search accepts any student in grades 6 through 12 who resides in Philadelphia. We offer priority enrollment to students in the following School District of Philadelphia schools: Hartranft, Lamberton, MYA, Edison, Mastbaum, Parkway West, and The Workshop School.
How do I enroll in Talent Search?
Eligible students who want to enroll in Talent Search should complete the online program application. Once we process your application, you will receive email notification of your enrollment.
How do I know if I’m already enrolled?
You are enrolled in Talent Search if you have submitted our program application and received a “Welcome to Penn Talent Search” email with your acceptance letter.
How long can I stay enrolled in Talent Search?
Once you enter the program, you remain enrolled through your senior year of high school. There is no need to re-enroll each year.
Is everything Talent Search offers really free?
Yes! You will never have to pay for any of our services, activities, or events. We even provide SEPTA passes for students who use public transportation to get to our in-person events.
How will Talent Search contact me?
Talent Search communicates with participants, parents, and guardians primarily by email and text. Make sure you frequently check the email address you provide on your program application and remember to notify us if you change your number or email.
Events and Services
What kind of events does Talent Search plan?
Talent Search organizes trips such as college tours, museum visits, and volunteer opportunities. When traveling outside the city or to locations not easily accessible by SEPTA, we provide bus transportation.
We also plan activities such as test-prep classes and resume-building workshops, which are typically held on Penn’s campus in West Philadelphia.
How do I attend events?
We announce our events via email and include a link to sign up. You are not automatically signed up and must register for each event you want to attend. Please be aware that certain events are only open to some grade levels.
Does Talent Search host events throughout the year?
Yes! We are a year-round program, offering trips and activities throughout the school year and summer.
Are events in person or virtual?
Most of Talent Search’s programming is in person, either on Penn’s campus or in the Philadelphia area. Some of our events are virtual.
Can parents or other family members attend events?
Talent Search events are for enrolled students only. Younger siblings, parents, and guardians may not attend in-person events unless otherwise noted. However, parents and guardians are welcome to attend many of our virtual events, including College Corner sessions.
Do you provide tutoring?
Our staff includes Penn graduate assistants, available via virtual appointment to assist with homework or other school assignments. Use our Homework Help page on Canvas to identify who can best assist with your subject matter and then schedule an appointment.
Canvas
What is Canvas?
Canvas is where you can access important Talent Search program info, links to virtual sessions, and appointment calendars for our counseling and tutoring staff. A learning management system (LMS) like Blackboard or Google Classroom, Canvas is used in university settings, so familiarizing yourself with Canvas will give you a head start for college.
How do I access Canvas?
All participants are sent an email invitation from Open Canvas for Penn Learners when you first enroll in Talent Search. If you haven’t logged in to Canvas recently, check to make sure you have access by completing the following steps:
- Go to our Canvas homepage at https://upenn-catalog.instructure.com/courses/764
- Choose “Other Users” to log in.
- Log in with your email and password.
- If you can’t remember your password, click “Forgot Password?” and follow the instructions for a password reset.
- Still need help? Email us at vpse.talentsearch@upenn.edu for assistance.
Staff
What certifications do Talent Search staff have?
Our full-time Talent Search staff members have Master’s degrees in Secondary Education, Library & Information Science, and Creative Writing. In addition, every Talent Search staff member, graduate assistant, and tutor has passed all background checks and clearances required by law to work with minors.
Which Talent Search staff member should I reach out to?
Reach out to Ms. Andrea if you have questions about your enrollment or status as a Talent Search participant.
Reach out to Ms. Sofia if you need help planning your educational journey or applying to college.
Reach out to Ms. Aubrey if you have general questions about the program or want to speak to the Director.
If you’re not sure who to contact, email vpse.talentsearch@upenn.edu, and we’ll forward your message to the right person.