Project Forward

Project Forward Talent Search is a federal program that identifies qualified students in grades 7-12 with the academic talent and potential for college or other postsecondary education.

Talent Search programs have been in existence across the country since 1965. Project Forward Talent Search has been sponsored by Seton Hill University for more than 45 years and takes its name from the University motto, “Hazard yet Forward.”

Project Forward Talent Search is housed on Seton Hill University’s campus, but does not recruit students specifically for Seton Hill. The University supports Project Forward Talent Search because it believes that education improves lives.

Project Forward Talent Search Helps Students:

• Stay in school and graduate.
• Develop the necessary skills for personal, career and academic success.
• Understand and complete the planning necessary for college or other postsecondary education.
• Enroll in college or other postsecondary programs and helps them to apply for financial aid assistance.

How Does Project Forward Talent Search Work?

Project Forward Talent Search staff work with middle school and high school guidance counselors and teachers to provide additional services to students and their families. The Project Forward Talent Search staff, made up of master’s degree level counselors and educational advisors with at least a bachelor’s degree, will generally be in the school one day each week.

What Are Some of the Specific Services Offered by Project Forward Talent Search?

• Workshops and individual counseling for parents and students on:
• Career opportunities. 
• College selection. 
• SAT preparation. 
• Financial aid.
• College Board test (SAT) fee waivers as appropriate.
• College application fee waivers as appropriate.
• Assistance in developing or increasing study skills.
• A visit to a college campus and/or a college fair for high school program students.
• Cultural activities for interested program students.
• Help for students and parents in completing financial aid applications.

Who is Eligible?

Student Selection for the program is based on potential for postsecondary education and the regulations mentioned below.

• Students in grade 7 are eligible to apply for participation in the program.
• Federal regulations require that 2/3 of the students enrolled in Talent Search programs meet the following conditions:
• They will be the first generation in their families to graduate from college. (In other words, neither of the parents is a 4 year college graduate.)
• They will be from families whose income meets federally set criteria.
• The other 1/3 of students in the Talent Search program are not required to meet these requirements.

Continued Enrollment in Project Forward Talent Search will be dependent upon several factors, including:

• The student’s academic performance.
• Interest and need for the program.
• Status as a low-income potential first-generation college student. 
• Interest in postsecondary education.

Where Does Project Forward Talent Operate this Area?

Project Forward Talent Search works with students and families operating in 11 school districts located in 6 Western Pennsylvania counties, including:

Allegheny 
Woodland Hills

Armstrong
Apollo-Ridge 
Ford City 
Kittanning

Fayette
Brownsville Area 
Connellsville Area

Greene
Carmichaels Area
Jefferson-Morgan

Washington
Bentworth 
Bethlehem-Center

Westmoreland
Jeannette
Monessen

How Can I Get More Information About the Program?

Contact your high school or middle school guidance office, or contact us:

projectforward@setonhill.edu
724-830-1801   

Click here for more information on all federal Talent Search programs.

Seton Hill University Project Forward Talent Search does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, age, sex, marital status or handicap status.