The Talent Search Program at the University of New Orleans has received a five-year, $2.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to continue assisting middle and high school students in preparing for college. The award is a renewal of an existing grant.

Talent Search, which is a federal program, provides academic, career and financial aid counseling to students from disadvantaged backgrounds who have a 504 plan or an Individualized Education Plan and have the potential to succeed in higher education.

A goal of the program is to increase the number of such students who finish high school and complete their postsecondary education.

University officials have collaborated with several schools in Orleans and Jefferson parishes to help identify students who are eligible to participate in the program.

The students meet regularly with program advisors in their schools during the academic year and then participate in a summer program that takes place on UNO’s campus.