(Estherville)--Iowa Lakes Community College has been awarded $2 million in federal funding to continue its TRIO Talent Search program for another five years.
The new grant provides $400,000 annually from 2026 through 2031. The award follows a highly competitive federal grant cycle marked by significant changes to the Talent Search competition and provides long-term stability for a program that has served generations of students and families throughout the Iowa Lakes region.
TRIO Talent Search is a federally funded college and career access program serving students in grades 6–12, with an emphasis on students who are potential first-generation college students or meet federal income guidelines. Services are provided at no cost to students or families.
Under the new grant, Iowa Lakes will serve students in the Algona, Bishop Garrigan, Emmetsburg, Emmetsburg Catholic, Estherville Lincoln Central, Graettinger-Terril, North Union, Okoboji, Ruthven-Ayrshire, Spencer, Spirit Lake High School and West Bend-Mallard school districts.
The new grant also expands Iowa Lakes Talent Search services to Pocahontas Area Community School District.
