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TRIO Talent Search

P: 800-368-3227    E: academic_affairs@vuu.edu

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What is TRIO Talent Search?

TRIO Talent Search is a college access program that serves teens in grades nine through twelve. In addition to counseling, students and their families are provided with assistance in choosing a college, applying for college, and applying for financial aid. This early intervention program helps young people better understand their educational opportunities and options. The program has been a part of the university since 2016 and has assisted thousands of students to enroll in college and gain a college degree.

Who We Serve

Talent Search at Virginia Union University serves 500 students across 3 high schools:

John Marshall High School

George Wythe High School 

Armstrong High School

The FREE services provided include:

Weekend Programming and Field Trips

  • Academic enrichment

  • SAT/ACT prep

  • Transition skills high school to college

  • High school survival skills

  • Free meals

  • Free transportation to select colleges and universities

Academic Skills Development

  • Tutor

  • Time management and study skills

  • Academic advising

  • Research activities

Rising Scholars Academy

  • Career advancement

  • Critical thinking

  • College tours and cultural trips

Click here to apply (English/Spanish)

MEET THE TALENT SEARCH TEAM

Christina Foster Jackson

Director
CJackson@vuu.edu 
Office: 804-354-5960

Christina Foster Jackson has provided supervision for the Talent Search Program since its inception in 2016. A native of Richmond, VA. Ms. Jackson has dedicated most of her career to serving students in this state. She has taught 14 years at George Wythe High School and is currently the Director of TRIO Talent Search at Virginia Union University. She is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Fashion and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Strayer University. Christina is dedicated to supporting equal access to a quality education within the program. Ms. Jackson serves George Wythe High School.

Ashley White

Project Advisor
ANWhite@vuu.edu
Office: 804-665-9979

Ashley White is a native of Richmond, VA and received a B.A. in Fashion from Virginia Commonwealth University. Ashley is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree at the University of Richmond. Prior to working with Talent Search, she was a teacher at Woodville Elementary School. Ms. White is a first-generation college graduate and is passionate about serving the Talent Search program to help students achieve their goals. She enjoys daily workouts, watching documentaries on Netflix, and is a lover of pizza. Ms. White serves John Marshall High School.

Shydaren James

Project Advisor
SMJames1@vuu.edu 
Office: 804-257-5795

Shydaren James is a native of Petersburg, VA. She earned her B.S. in Hospitality Management from Virginia State University in 2016. She has been in this field of work for 5 years and counting. Ms. James is excited to help increase the percentage of low income and first-generation college students being that she is a product of the same environment. Her favorite quote is “A champion is defined not by their wins but by how they can recover when they fall.”  Ms. James serves Armstrong High School.

Upcoming Events

July 27, 2018: VCU College Tour / RVA Trolley Tour

VA Beach Aquarium Field Trip (NEW DATE: Aug 21, 2018)

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