A new program is giving Belmont High School more help with improving their study skills and exploring college options.

Last year, Sinclair Community College received a $1.5 million, five-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education to establish and offer the Educational Talent Search program at Belmont High School.

Christopher Welch, project director of the Educational Talent Search program at Belmont High School, explained the program is designed to provide academic and motivational support to low-income students and students who would be the first generation in their families to go to college.

Welch, who was the first in his family to attend and graduate from college, identifies with the students in the program.

“Doing this work is giving back to the students,” he said.

The Educational Talent Search program is staffed by seven people and located at Belmont High School.

This summer, a few dozen incoming freshmen experienced the program when they took part in a three-week course that focused on math, science, reading and life skills.

About 500 students are expected to benefit from the program through the school year, Welch said. He noted the Educational Talent Search will support middle and high school students in college decision-making, preparation and entrance.

“Best of all, the grant allows us to offer these services free of charge,” Welch noted.

Among the activities planned for the year are tutoring services; personal, career and academic advising; college tours; cultural activities; college admissions/financial aid information and assistance; career exploration; and ACT and OGT prep information. Welch said the program also tries to involve the parents.

The Educational Talent Search is one of several pre-college programs that Sinclair Community College supports. The pre-college programs are designed to offer a variety of age appropriate pre-college learning opportunities; provide social, cultural and academic readiness activities; and encourage students’ personal growth development.

The Educational Talent Search aims to increase the number of program participants to complete high school and enroll in and complete their postsecondary education.

Welch said the Educational Talent Search is unique because it is located in a school and is working with students specifically at Belmont.