DURHAM, N.H.— The U.S. Department of Education awarded the University of New Hampshire’s Educational Talent Search (ETS) a five-year grant totaling more than $3.2 million to provide support to more than 1,160 low-income and first-generation students in Granite State middle and high schools.

“This grant will allow us to help so many underserved but academically qualified students navigate and complete secondary schooling and guide them into higher education options that will introduce them to future careers,” said Debora McCann, ETS director. “We’re so thankful for the support of the state legislative delegation to secure this funding.”

ETS academic advisors live and work throughout the state and provide a range of services for students in grades 6 through 12 including college counseling, assistance with applications, study skills, financial literacy, test preparation, career guidance and help applying for financial aid. Fifteen high schools and fourteen middle schools are served by the UNH ETS program which has offered support for students for more than fifty years.

“I’m thrilled UNH’s Educational Talent Search program received this funding because it provides more than a thousand low-income, first-generation New Hampshire students with resources to overcome barriers to obtain higher education and succeed in the workplace,” said Senator Shaheen, senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

“Higher Education remains out of reach for too many high school students, especially those from underserved communities,” said Senator Hassan. “Sometimes, a student is not even aware of potential financial aid, or they need general guidance, and UNH’s Educational Talent Search program can help them.”

“I applaud UNH’s Educational Talent Search for its sustained commitment to preparing low-income and first-generation Granite State students for college and their future careers in the 21st century economy,” said Rep. Kuster.

“UNH’s Educational Talent Search does incredible work helping low-income and first-generation students succeed and attain higher levels of education,” said Congressman Chris Pappas. “This $3.2 million in federal funding will go a long way to helping provide critical support.”

Educational Talent Search was created during the 1960’s War on Poverty and grew out of the Civil Rights movement. It was created to promote educational opportunities and equity for all. Its mission is to prepare academically qualified limited income, first generation, New Hampshire youth to complete secondary school and enroll in and complete a program of postsecondary education. ETS is one of the federal TRIO programs at the University that also include Upward Bound, Student Support Services and the Ronald E. McNair program.

The University of New Hampshire inspires innovation and transforms lives in our state, nation, and world. More than 16,000 students from all 50 states and 71 countries engage with an award-winning faculty in top-ranked programs in business, engineering, law, health and human services, liberal arts and the sciences across more than 200 programs of study. As one of the nation’s highest-performing research universities, UNH partners with NASA, NOAA, NSF and NIH, and receives more than $110 million in competitive external funding every year to further explore and define the frontiers of land, sea and space.