In 2006, the Center for Educational Partnerships received a four-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education to implement the Talent Search Program at Delhi, Le Grand, Orestimba, El Diamante, Strathmore and Corcoran high schools. Talent Search served a total of 1,589 high school graduates from educationally disadvantaged backgrounds who have the potential to pursue higher education.

The program provides academic, career and financial counseling to participants and encourages them to graduate from high school and continue on to the post- secondary school of their choice.

In 2011, the Center for Educational Partnerships received three grants to expand the Talent Search Program to Farmersville, Fresno and Roosevelt high schools. Existing and new Talent Search Programs serve a total of 1,504 students.

VICE CHANCELLOR'S MESSAGE | Jane Fiori Lawrence

I was privileged to be present at the creation of the Center for Educational Partnerships in 2002. UC Merced had, for a number of years, worked with teachers, administrators and students in K-12, but in 2002, we decided to bring all of our programs and staff together in one unit under the very able leadership of Jorge Aguilar.

The CEP was created to increase equity and access for Valley students to higher education, not just to UC Merced. In the decade since, the Center’s programs and services have expanded remarkably to serve the people and schools of the Valley.

Over the past 10 years, I have met many of the school administrators, teachers and students who have worked with or benefitted from programs or services offered by the CEP.

We recognized early the importance of reaching out to parents, especially parents who themselves did not have the oppor- tunity to go to college. Through presentations in English, Hmong and Spanish, our staff members have helped parents understand how to help their children prepare to attend college.

Every spring, I participate in numerous dinners where our talented staff members celebrate the students they have worked with and who have been admitted to college. The best part of these events is talking with our partner administrators at the high schools and seeing the faces of the students’ very proud parents and family members.

UC Merced is committed to our work with schools and teachers throughout the Valley. After 10 years and serving thousands of students and parents, our goal remains the same: helping San Joaquin Valley students pursue their higher education dreams.

Thank you CEP leadership and staff for your dedication! Thank you to the schools, students, parents and donors who have partnered with us to provide opportunities to young people across the San Joaquin Valley!