(a) An individual is eligible to participate in a Talent Search project if the individual meets all the following requirements:

(1)(i) Is a citizen or national of the United States;

(ii) Is a permanent resident of the United States;

(iii) Is in the United States for other than a temporary purpose and provides evidence from the Immigration and Naturalization Service of his or her intent to become a permanent resident;

(iv) Is a permanent resident of Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, or the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands (Palau); or

(v) Is a resident of the Freely Associated States—the Federated States of Micronesia or the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

(2)(i) Has completed five years of elementary education or is at least 11 years of age but not more than 27 years of age.

(ii) However, an individual who is more than 27 years of age may participate in a Talent Search project if the individual cannot be appropriately served by an Educational Opportunity Center project under 34 CFR part 644 and if the individual's participation would not dilute the Talent Search project's services to individuals described in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section.

(3)(i) Is enrolled in or has dropped out of any grade from six through 12, or has graduated from secondary school, ; or

(ii) Has undertaken, but is not presently enrolled in, a program of postsecondary education,

(b) A veteran as defined in § 643.6(b), regardless of age, is eligible to participate in a Talent Search project if he or she satisfies the eligibility requirements in paragraph (a) of this section other than the age requirement in paragraph (a)(2).