College Now Secures $3.5 Million in Federal TRIO Funding and  Takes Leadership Role in Statewide Talent Search Ohio Initiative 

Organization will expand advising services across Northeast Ohio while leading first-of-its-kind statewide program expected to serve 20,000 students annually 

CLEVELAND (September 15, 2026) – College Now has secured approximately $3.5 million in federal TRIO funding to support college access, career readiness and postsecondary success for middle and high school students as well as adult learners across Northeast Ohio. The awards include two new federal Talent Search grants and a federal Educational Opportunity Centers grant, expanding opportunities for thousands of individuals throughout the region.  

In addition, College Now has partnered with the Ohio Department of Higher Education to serve as both the Northeast Ohio regional partner and statewide technical assistance leader for Talent Search Ohio, an ambitious statewide initiative expected to serve approximately 20,000 students annually across Ohio.  

“These investments represent an extraordinary opportunity to strengthen pathways from middle school through higher education and into meaningful careers, and further positions us as a trusted leader in higher education access and attainment,” said Dr. Michele Scott Taylor, College Now president & CEO. “This funding allows us to deepen our impact across Northeast Ohio while helping shape a statewide effort that will increase educational attainment, career readiness and economic mobility for thousands of Ohio students and their families.” 

Expanding College Access Across Northeast Ohio 

The federal awards include: 

• Two five-year federal Talent Search grants serving students in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District; 

• A five-year federal Educational Opportunity Centers grant supporting adults seeking higher education in the cities of Cleveland, Akron, Elyria and Lorain.  

Through these programs, participants will receive individualized advising, academic support, college and career planning, FAFSA completion assistance, financial literacy education, college admissions guidance, mentoring and support to ease the transition to higher education.  

Leading Northeast Ohio’s Role in Talent Search Ohio 

As the Northeast Ohio regional partner for Talent Search Ohio, College Now will coordinate services for students across multiple city school districts throughout the region, including Alliance, Bedford, Canton, Cleveland Heights-University Heights, Elyria, Mansfield, Parma and Southern Local. College Now will offer programming in these districts, including high-impact tutoring and academic support; college and career advising and exploration; FAFSA and financial aid counseling and assistance; college entrance exam preparation; college campus visits; and connections to apprenticeships and various credential pathways. 

Statewide Leadership Role 

The state of Ohio received the largest award and was the only new state to receive federal Talent Search funding. With $10 million awarded per year for five years, Talent Search Ohio partners will introduce innovative approaches designed to connect education and career development. 

While statewide partners include Educational Service Center of Central Ohio, Sinclair Community College, Toledo Tomorrow, Future Plans and Cincinnati Youth Collaborative, College Now will provide advising in Northeast Ohio while also serving as the statewide technical assistance and data partner for the initiative. In this role, the organization will support statewide participant and performance reporting; data management; quality assurance and staff training. 

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Celebrating 60 years of impact, College Now empowers students and adult learners to pursue and complete higher education through personalized advising, financial aid counseling, scholarships and proven success strategies. Since its founding, College Now has helped generations of Northeast Ohioans achieve their educational and career goals while advancing economic opportunity, workforce development and regional prosperity. Through partnerships with schools, higher education institutions, employers and community organizations, College Now continues to create pathways to brighter futures for individuals, families and communities. collegenowgc.org