Educational Talent Search Program

High School Students: Get the Mentoring You Need

Eligible high school students in the Joliet district can take part in the Education Talent Search (ETS Trio) program. All participants receive mentorship as they plan for their life after high school. Approximately 500 youth participate in this federally funded program each year. Benefits of this program include:

Personalized advising and mentoring
College and career exposure
Academic support
And much more!

Eligibility and Requirements

To participate, you must:

Be a U.S. citizen

You must have one of the following:

A documented disability
A family household income that meets guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Education
Be a potential first generation college student (your parents/adoptive parents or legal guardians have not received a bachelor's degree)

Apply to the ETS Program

Educational Talent Search Application

How We Can Help

Services Offered to ETS Students
Academic Support
- Tutoring
- Help with selecting high school courses
- Help with growing study skills
Career Exploration Workshops (see our events section below)
- Resume Building
- College Prep
- College Visits
- Financial Aid & Scholarship Assistance
Personal Development
- Leadership skills
- Cultural Enrichment opportunities
- Community Service
Resources
- College planning
- Test prep
- Financial Aid & Financial Literacy
- Scholarships
Schools Served

The Educational Talent Search program primarily serves high school students at Joliet Township, Joliet Central and Joliet West.
Financial Resources
- Apply for the FAFSA
- Apply for Scholarships
Meet Our Staff

DeAndre R. Butler, Senior Director
Phone: (815) 280-2303
Email: debutler@jjc.edu

DeAndre R. Butler is a TRIO/Student Support Services alum from Northern Illinois University. At NIU, he achieved his bachelor’s degree in sociology. In 2007, Butler landed his first job in the higher education field at Colorado Technical University Online, as an Admissions Advisor. He decided to further his education in higher ed and student affairs and graduated with a master's degree in education from NIU in 2010.

Butler was born and raised in Harvey, Illinois and came from a first-generation and low-income household where he was the first in his family to graduate with his bachelor’s. He is very committed to his work with JJC Student Support Services. Butler is a strong believer in assisting students on being successful while attending JJC so that they can graduate and transfer. He is actively involved with organizations, clubs and committees for the benefit of his students and department.

Latrice Bradshaw, ETS Coordinator
Phone: (815) 280-1448
Email: lbradsha@jjc.edu

Chicago native Latrice Bradshaw has spent her life actively supporting diverse populations of students through their growth and development. She is passionate about helping students find their niche in life and has consistently encouraged them to reach new heights. Bradshaw is a wife and mother of two who upholds herself with high esteem. She holds a bachelor's of arts degree in English and communications from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She also has a master's in higher education leadership and is currently pursuing her doctorate of education degree from Concordia University Chicago. As ETS Program Coordinator, Bradshaw organizes and leads initiatives to further develop and support students in achieving their goals. Having the opportunity to mentor, advise and implement strategies to aid in post-secondary success is not only her passion and purpose, but it's also the most rewarding experience she's ever had.

Dr. Alison Shimko, Educational Outreach Specialist
Email: alison.shimko@jjc.edu

Dr. Alison Shimko was born and raised in the western suburbs of Chicago. She graduated Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Illinois Wesleyan University. She earned a master of arts degree from Marquette University and a doctorate in history from Purdue University. She worked in higher education for more than seven years and was an adjunct history professor at Purdue University and the Georgia Institute of Technology. She has been passionate about diversity and inclusion since high school. Most recently, she volunteered for LaAmistad, a program devoted to teaching elementary Latinx students self-sufficiency and confidence. In her role at JJC, she serves low-income and first-generation Joliet Township High School District students, leveling the playing field when it comes to college applications, acceptance and retention. This role is at the intersection of her greatest strengths and passions: teaching, mentorship and inclusion.

Edith Martinez, Secretary for the Center of Multicultural Access & Success
Email: edith.martinez@jjc.edu
Phone: (815) 280-6709

Edith Martinez is a lifetime resident of Joliet. She has more than 20 years of experience in early education (K-12). She has a certificate of translating and interpreting in Spanish from Triton College and previously attended JJC. Martinez habla español.