About Us

What is METS?

The Mills Educational Talent Search (METS) TRIO Program identifies and assists youth in Oakland from disadvantaged backgrounds who have the potential to succeed in higher education. The program provides free academic, career, financial aid counseling, and college application assistance to its participants and encourages them to graduate from high school and continue on to complete their postsecondary education. METS has served the city of Oakland since 1998. The METS Program received another five-year award from the US Department of Education effective September 1, 2022.

Our Mission

“The Mills Educational Talent Search (METS) Program encourages, inspires, and supports low-income, first-generation students in Oakland in their efforts to achieve academic success with the goal of attaining a post-secondary education.”

Academic Services

METS provides participants with a variety of activities and workshops throughout the year to prepare students for high school and college success. Our program consists of two components: the academic year and summer program.

Academic Year Program

  • One-on-one academic advising
  • College planning
  • Workshops on the following topics: study skills, college preparation and requirements, financial aid, scholarships, career exploration and planning, goal setting (provided at the target schools or at our monthly seminars at the Mills campus)
  • Monthly college campus fieldtrips
  • Educational/career/cultural fieldtrips
  • Access to the College and Career Center, computer lab, and tutoring at the Mills College TRIO Program Office
  • Referrals to other community services

Summer Program

Four-week Summer Enrichment Program for incoming 7th–12th graders, which includes activities such as English skills instruction, STEM Courses, College Preparatory Workshops, Hands-on activities, Cultural and Educational field trips

The minimum commitment for a METS student is to meet with an advisor once per academic year and participate in at least one event/activity per academic year. However, students are encouraged and welcomed to participate throughout the year actively.


General Program Inquiries

Email: mets@northeastern.edu

(510) 430-3126