TRIO Upward Bound: Developing a college-going culture

August 20, 2024 (Volume 47, Number 21)
Article by Michele Coffill

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Nearly 200 people celebrated the accomplishments of participants involved in Grand Valley's TRIO Upward Bound Grand Rapids and TRIO Upward Bound Math Science Wyoming programs during an award ceremony in early July at the L. William Seidman Center.

The event marked the end of the program's six-week residential summer program on the Allendale Campus. Nearly 50 Grand Rapids and Wyoming high school students took classes and participated in internships, professional development and social activities. Students from the Detroit TRIO Upward Bound program and Detroit TRIO Upward Bound Math Science joined their West Michigan peers for two weeks.

Brian Martin, a rising senior at Innovation Central High School in Grand Rapids, took statistics, English and research classes. He said he enjoyed the experience after his nerves settled.

"It was a bit nerve-wracking at first but after the first day you get comfortable and talk to a lot more people," Martin said. "It was really fun and it sets you up for going to college."

The Centeno family celebrated their third child's experience with TRIO Upward Bound. Elisabeth Centeno is a rising senior at Union High School who followed her two siblings into Grand Valley's program. 

Centeno has been involved since her freshman year, saying the activities and Upward Bound staff opened her eyes to what college is all about. "And we have fun, too, that's a perk," she said.

The end of the summer program also marked the start of the cultural trip for rising seniors. Martin, Centeno and others traveled with Upward Bound staff to San Francisco for a week; staff with the Detroit program took their seniors to Washington, D.C., and New York City at the end of July.

Nykia Gaines, assistant vice president for Federal TRIO Programs, said: “We continue to be inspired by the commitment of our TRIO Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math-Science students. Dedicating a portion of their summer to this program truly shows their desire to pursue a successful path toward higher education.”

Grand Valley sponsors 11 TRIO programs, serving middle and high school students and adult learners.

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