Wallace Community College Selma is inviting the public to an event that has the potential to change lives.

The college is hosting an open house for its Educational Talent Search on Thursday, Nov. 6.

Set to begin at 5 p.m., the event will inform its guests about the details of the Talent Search program, which highlights the importance of enrolling in and completing college.

“We’re trying to get our parents to come out and see the services that we provide,” said Corey Bowie, Talent Search recruiter. “It’s also for our new students, because each year we have to recruit students into the program. We’re trying to get their parents to know the work we’re doing with their child or children.”

Offered at no expense to qualified students, the ETS is designed to assist students in grades 6 through 12 and out-of-school students in the completion of their secondary or postsecondary education through academic counseling, career counseling, campus tours and more.

Talent Search is one of eight TRIO programs, which means it’s a federal outreach meant to identify and provide for individuals with disadvantaged backgrounds, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s website.

ETS has served about 875 students in the Dallas County and Perry County areas during the 2014-2015 academic year.

Bowie said it’s important that the community take advantage of this great opportunity.

“Education is an ever-changing cycle and this meeting will bring them up-to-date on the services that we provide,” he said. “We’re going to talk about good study habits, career choices, goals setting and scholarship opportunities. And I feel that with quality information, you can make a quality decision.”

Applications for ETS can be found on the second floor of WSCC’s Student Center. Students who would like to apply must have a 2.0 grade point average to be accepted. Income Verification also must be submitted and reviewed prior to acceptance.

For more information, call Bowie at (334) 876-9290.