Services
The Penn Talent Search program offers a variety of services to Philadelphia 6th-12th graders in their journey to graduate high school and enroll in post-secondary school. All services are free to eligible students.
Academic Advising
Penn Talent Search provides services to improve academic performance and support students’ post-secondary academic goals.
- Information about the high school selection process
- Guidance on high school and post-secondary course selection
- Assistance with standardized test preparation (PSSA, Keystone, PSAT, and SAT)
- Homework help and mentoring from Penn graduate and undergraduate student mentors
- Study skill and time management workshops
- Essay review service and writing support, including development of a professional resume
College & Career Guidance
Penn Talent Search helps eligible students gain exposure to a variety of college campuses and career pathways and provides guidance on enrolling and completing post-secondary education.
- Tours of institutions of higher education
- College virtual information series
- Completion of college applications
- Workplace site visits
- Career panels and guest speakers
- Connections to internships and other work opportunities
Financial Aid Counseling
Penn Talent Search helps students and families navigate the difficult process of determining how to pay for college through workshops and individual guidance.
- Financial literacy workshops
- Assistance in completing applications for state and federal aid (FAFSA & PHEAA)
- Assistance in applying and searching for scholarships and grants
- Information on the full range of federal student financial aid programs and benefits, including federal Pell Grant awards and loan forgiveness
Grade-Specific Activities*
Grade 6
Ensuring a Smooth Transition Into Middle School
Classes and individual sessions focus on developing school identity and friendships, self-esteem and self-concept, skills for appreciating differences and college awareness.
Grade 7
Setting Goals, Time Management & Study Skills Development
Classes and individual sessions focus on resume writing, vocabulary development, and career and college awareness.
Grade 8
Developing a High School Plan Towards Being College Ready by Graduation
Classes and individual sessions focus on transition from middle to high school, academic survival skills, decision making and leadership skills, college awareness, and include visits to area colleges.
Grade 9
Developing Basic Academic & Test-taking Skills
Individual and group sessions focus on academic assessment, academic enrichment information, tutorial referrals, shadow day, time management and study skills, and also include tours of area colleges.
Grade 10
Career exploration
Individual and group sessions focus on academic assessment, & tutorial referrals, academic enrichment, career exploration, and include tours of area colleges.
Grade 11
Exploring Postsecondary Options and the Admissions Process
Individual and group sessions focus on on researching colleges and scholarships, academic assessment and enrichment/tutorial program referrals, and also include college and college fair visitations.
Grade 12
College & Financial Aid Application Process and Preparation
Individual and group sessions focus on SAT registration, scholarship searches, college applications, admissions process, FAFSA workshops, college essay writing, senior project monitoring, academic assessment and tutorial referrals, and assistance completing financial aid forms.
Begin Your Post-Secondary Journey
To learn more about the services TS offers or to request assistance, talk with an advisor or fill out an application today.