Discovery Education has teamed up with UBS and Tennessee College Access & Success Network to launch The TalentED Project, an innovative platform designed to help match lower-income, first-generation college-goers with top institutions that are a good fit for them.

The TalentED Project is a free online program that expands connections between professionals working on behalf of students and reduces the challenges associated with undermatching – when academically capable students do not apply to selective schools for which they would be eligible and have a strong potential to succeed. The site synthesizes key information about institutions, including affordability and retention.

“High school counselors, teachers and nonprofit staff play a critical role in supporting students in the admissions process,” said Bob Obrohta, TCASN Executive Director. “This site strengthens relationships between access organizations and admissions recruiters nationwide to make the recruitment process more effective and efficient for everyone – both professionals and students.”

The site also enables higher education institutions to recruit students in their junior year, earlier than the traditional recruitment cycle. It seeks to address challenges that lower-income, first-generation students face in identifying colleges and universities where they are more likely to receive the support services needed to graduate.

“In today’s competitive job market, a higher level education is more valuable than ever, and this program will help students of all backgrounds realize their potential and increase their chances for college attainment,” said Lori McFarling, Senior Vice President, Discovery Education.