About Upward Bound
What is Upward Bound?
The Upward Bound Program (UB) is a federally funded program in a cluster of programs referred to as TRIO. The TRIO programs began after the enactment of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Grand Valley State University has received continual funding for the TRIO UB Program since 1978.
The GVSU TRIO Upward Bound program is designed to assist high school students from traditionally underserved backgrounds reach their potential by earning a college degree. UB serves high school students from low-income families and who are first-generation college students (their parents did not graduate from college with a bachelo's degree), and primarily supports students at Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) Innovation Central and Union High Schools.
UB provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. The program provides opportunities for participants to succeed in their high school performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits. The goal of UB is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.
Program Highlights
The GVSU TRIO Upward Bound Program is funded to serve 100 students at Union High School and Central High School. Both schools are part of the Grand Rapids Public School District in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The program provides:
- A supportive learning environment with academic instruction, tutoring and advising
- Individualized support and encouragement for all students
- A challenging curriculum in a small, supportive setting designed to evaluate and strengthen student reading, study skills, and problem solving skills
- An intensive six week Summer Residential Program with academic, cultural and social activities
- College campus tours
- Cultural field trips in and out-of-state
- Offer assistance in the search for financial aid and scholarships, as well as support in completing the college application and admissions process
The UB Grand Rapids Team
Josh Brandsen
he/him/his
Director
Office Address: 370C DEV
Phone: (616) 331-3423
Email: [email protected]
Bonnie Jaracz
she/her/hers
Office Coordinator
Bonnie Jaracz currently serves as the Office Coordinator for TRIO Upward Bound Grand Rapids. She began her professional career at Grand Rapids Community College, working in Admissions, Student Employment, and the Education Department, each of which helped spark her passion for serving students and supporting their goals of post-secondary education.
Bonnie is a first-generation, non-traditional student, completing an Associate’s degree from Grand Rapids Community College and a Bachelors of Liberal Studies, Organizational Management & Leadership, at Grand Valley State University.
In her free time Bonnie enjoys reading, floral design, traveling up north, and spending time with her husband, children, and one very energetic pup, Axe.
Office Address: 366C DEV
Phone: (616) 331-3144
Email: [email protected]
Yessenia Aguillion
she/her/hers
Program Coordinator
Yessenia Aguillon currently serves as the Program Coordinator for TRIO Upward Bound Grand Rapids. She received her Associate’s Degree from Grand Rapids Community College and then furthered her studies at Grand Valley State University, where she completed her Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies. Yessenia is a TRIO Alumni and believes in the importance of helping and advocating for first-generation, low income students like herself. Yessenia has many passions, one of which she hopes to continue on with her education into law school and study immigration law. In her free time, Yessenia enjoys spending time with her family, friends, reading, and traveling.
Office Address: 396C DEV
Phone: (616) 331-3144
Email: [email protected]
Graciela Ramirez
she/her/hers
Student Office Assistant
Melisa Ramirez
she/her/hers
Student Office Assistant
Evalyn Vazquez
she/her/hers
Student Office Assistant
Jonatan Centeno
Tutor
Fernando Martinez
he/him/his
Tutor
Pilar Martinez
she/her/hers
Tutor
Alex Robles Vazquez
he/him/his
Tutor
Giselle Vazquez
she/her/hers
Tutor