TRIO | Educational Talent Search

Recruitment events are held at participating schools in the fall and spring of each year. Students and parents may request applications by contacting the Educational Talent Search office located on the Pensacola State College campus on College Blvd, Building 6, Room 675, or by calling (850) 484-1620.

Talent Search applications can be completed online at the following link: https://botform.compansol.com/231374506529054

Students must meet several criteria to participate in ETS program activities, school visits and workshops:

• U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Potential to pursue a postsecondary program of study
• Maintain a 2.0 or higher grade point average
• Demonstrate a need
• Participate in ETS specialists’ planned lessons and program activities
• Attend a participating school

Student participation in the ETS program requires both student and parent involvement.

Parental involvement:

• Request an ETS application. Complete, sign and return the application along with requested documentation.
  • Provide proof of family income
    • Last year’s income tax return
    • Proof of untaxed income (SSI, Social Security, Worker’s Compensation, etc.)
• Participate in ETS sponsored family workshops

Student involvement:

• Maintain high academic standards
• Middle school students meet with the Middle School Student Services Specialist twice a month for 15-20 minutes
• High school students meet with the High School Student Services Specialist individually or in small groups a minimum of four times for 15-20 minutes during the school year
• Participate in weekly planned activities which are designed to help students transition from high school to college
• MANDATORY: Complete and submit college applications upon reaching 12^th grade
• MANDATORY: Provide copies of college acceptance letters to ETS counselor during senior year
• MANDATORY: Meet with ETS counselor to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or provide ETS counselor with FAFSA proof of submission during senior year
• Enroll in a 2-4 year college or university, or a vocational or certificate training program after high school graduation

TRIO Educational Talent Search is located on the Pensacola Main Campus in Building 6, Room 675.

Phone (850) 484-1620

Juanita Edwards, Director
(850) 484-2533
jedwards@pensacolastate.edu
Mrs. Juanita Edwards began working as the TRIO Educational Talent Search Program Director in 2018.  She previously worked for the Escambia County School District for 35 years, where she served as a school administrator, administrative dean, guidance counselor, and high school English teacher.  She has a Master’s degree in School Counseling from Troy State University and certification in Educational Leadership from the University of West Florida.

Kami Burnes, Student Services Specialist
(850) 484-1619
kburnes@pensacolastate.edu
Ms. Kami Burnes joined TRIO Educational Talent Search in 2024, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a strong educational background. Prior to becoming an integral part of our team, she dedicated three years to serving as a middle school English Language Arts and reading teacher for the Escambia County School District. Ms. Burnes earned her bachelor’s degree in Educational Studies with a minor in English from the esteemed University of South Alabama, showcasing her commitment to excellence in the field of education. Her passion for fostering learning and her diverse background make her a valuable asset to TRIO Educational Talent Search.

Lori Miller, Student Services Specialist
(850) 484-1693
lmiller@pensacolastate.edu
Mrs. Lori Miller started working at TRIO Educational Talent Search in 2023. Previously, she worked 23 years as a teacher, technology coordinator, and media specialist for the Escambia County School District. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of South Alabama. Mrs. Miller’s certifications include K-12 Reading, K-12 Media Services, Driver Education, and K-6 Elementary Education.

Deana Martin, Student Services Specialist
(850) 484-1678
demartin@pensacolastate.edu
Mrs. Deana Martin started working at TRIO Educational Talent Search in 2024. Before joining our team, she worked 23 years as a teacher and media specialist for the Escambia County School District. She received her Associate of Arts degree from Pensacola State College and her Bachelor’s in Education from the University of West Florida. Mrs. Martin’s certifications include middle school and high school Language Arts and Social Studies and K-12 Media Services.

Kayla Brown, Recruitment/Retention Specialist and Administrative Assistant
(850) 484-1620
kbrown@pensacolastate.edu
Ms. Kayla Brown has worked in TRIO Educational Talent Search since 2020. She has a Bachelor’s degree in General Studies and two minors in Hospitality and Health Promotion from The University of West Florida.

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