Awards to recognize college-bound students

ALLENDALE, Mich. -- The rigors of college life will be a bit less mystifying for a group of  high school students who have just completed a six-week academic summer program at Grand Valley State University.

An awards ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 12 in Grand Valley’s  Grand River Room, Kirkhof Center, Allendale Campus to recognize local and regional high school students of the TRiO Upward Bound programs for their hard work and continued dedication to attend college.

Each summer since 1978, the Grand Valley TRiO Upward Bound Program has been host to local high school students. Now with two programs, Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math & Science, the university was host to more than 130 students. Some came from as far away as Minnesota; more local students came from Grand Rapids, Cedar Springs, Kentwood and Muskegon Heights. 

Students live in on-campus and undertake a rigorous full-day academic schedule with college preparatory classes and attend a mandatory two-hour evening study session. Students gladly give up television and free time to gain academic, social, and cultural experience. 

The mission of the program is to prepare high school students, who are potentially the first in their family to get a college degree and have limited financial resources, for the rigors of college life. 

“Our number one goal is to provide a safe and challenging learning environment that will dramatically increase the likelihood of college success for this group of high school students,” said Arnie Smithalexander, longtime director of the programs. “Historically these students may not have previously considered college as an option.”

Beginning in 1965 Congress authorized the creation of TRiO programs to assist low-income Americans. Now serving over 800,000 first generation, low income, and disabled students nationally, the programs work with students from middle school through graduate school, veterans, and nontraditional students. 

For more information contact Heath Alexander, TRiO Upward Bound associate director at (616) 331-3441.