Scholars make a commitment with TRIO Upward Bound Detroit

November 11, 2025 (Volume 49, Number 6)
Article by Adam Harris

nine people standing in row, five students in center holding certificates

Students who received recognition from the Detroit City Council are pictured holding certificates at the TRIO Commitment Day event. From left are Autumn Davis, Sharefhia Perry-Calhoun, De’jah Wallace, Braylan Price and Bryce Wilson. They are pictured with (at far left) Vice President B. Donta Truss and Michele Marshall and (at right) Adam Harris and Mikal O’Neal.

GVSU TRIO Upward Bound (UB) Detroit hosted its second Commitment Day and Fall Orientation in late September for scholars and their families. The event was held at Michigan Central Newlab building in Detroit, with Ally Financial sponsoring meals for families in attendance.

This celebratory event kicks off the academic school year for the TRIO UB Detroit program and provides an overview of program expectations, events, activities and established goals.

B. Donta Truss, vice president for Enrollment Development and College Futures, told students how proud he was of them for committing to their goals and to their college-going futures. Truss said: “Commitment Day is about committing to the success of the young learners in the TRIO Upward Bound Detroit program. This program is committed to excellence. We want every learner to have the opportunity to go to college, and this program is providing that opportunity.”

Janelle Arbuckle, who serves as Michigan Central’s Talent Development and Programming associate director, said: “Working with Grand Valley State University through TRIO has been deeply meaningful. At Michigan Central, we see the spark in every student who dares to dream bigger and this moment celebrates their courage to take the next step."

Brett Tillander, president and CEO of Metro Detroit Youth Clubs, also shared encouraging remarks. The TRIO UB Detroit staff honored Tillander during the event, thanking him for being a program partner. “The TRIO Upward Bound Detroit Commitment Day reminds me of why we do this work: to give every young person the chance to be seen, supported and inspired to reach their full potential,” he said.

The Detroit City Council sent Award of Recognition honors to five scholars, acknowledging their accomplishments from the last school year, including receiving a 4.0 GPA, at least 95% in-school attendance and at least 95% after-school attendance with TRIO.

Adam Harris, director of TRIO Upward Bound Detroit, said the event was very successful as families watched their scholars solidify their goals for the academic year.