November 12, 2024 (Volume 48, Number 6)
TRIO Upward Bound Detroit participants are pictured at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. Seated in front are state Rep. Joe Tate and former U.S. Rep. Brenda Lawrence.
They may be too young to cast a ballot but 30 students from TRIO Upward Bound Detroit learned about the importance of voting at a First Gen Celebration event.
"Your Vote Matters" was held November 1 at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.
Adam Harris, director of TRIO Upward Bound Detroit, said students heard presentations from state Rep. Joe Tate, Michigan's first Black speaker of the House; former U.S. Rep. Brenda Lawrence; and Judy Richardson, author, filmmaker and a former member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee.
Community partners RISE and the Institute for College Access and Success hosted workshops throughout the day.
Nykia Gaines, associate vice president for federal TRIO programs, said opportunities like this build pathways for students so they can see their own success.
"I am proud of the work of this team as they provide meaningful events like the First Gen Celebration," Gaines said. "These opportunities build pathways for academic, personal and community success, encouraging students to realize their potential and their power to effect change."
B. Donta Truss, vice president for Enrollment Development and Educational Outreach, expressed his appreciation to the community partners, Charles H. Wright Museum and the TRIO Upward Bound Detroit staff.
"Partners like the Charles Wright Museum help Grand Valley to equip TRIO students with the tools they need to succeed in school," Truss said. "We thank the speakers for talking about their journeys to our students. It's important for students to see leaders who look like them."
This article was last edited on November 14, 2024 at 8:32 a.m.
Aviation students can complete the Bachelor of Applied Science degree program in Traverse City, or online, and have tangible professional benefits within the industry.
Featured
June 16, 2026 (Volume 49, Number 18)
Article by
Kate VanDerKolk
A Detroit News article centered on university governance and a Brookings article called the Thompson Scholars program a model solution for increasing access for students from middle-income families.
June 16, 2026 (Volume 49, Number 18)
Now working in the Division of Enrollment Development and College Futures, Ngassa discusses how his background serves as a bridge between enrollment and academic affairs.
June 16, 2026 (Volume 49, Number 18)
