SANTA ANA : College District Gets $1-Million Grant
The Rancho Santiago College District has received a $1-million grant from the U.S. Department of Education to create a program encouraging at-risk youngsters to complete high school and enter college.
Called “Talent Search,” the program will serve about 700 students in grades eight through 12 who have the potential to go to college after high school.
Youths will receive individual counseling and encouragement to help get into the college of their choice, spokesman Dale Ruhe said.
Under the program, the college will receive $200,000 each year for five years.
The district is one of only 30 colleges nationwide participating in the federal program, Ruhe said.
“These programs provide a pipeline by which our students, many of whom never dreamed of going to college, can start getting prepared as early as the eighth grade,” said Audrey Yamagata-Noji, dean of student development.
Talent Search will also include a special club called “Club Adelante” at four middle schools.
The club will offer educational and cultural programs as well as help steer children away from gangs.
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