The GVSU TRIO Upward Bound (UB) Grand Rapids program is designed to assist high school students to 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 bachelor's degree), and primarily supports students at Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) Innovation Central and Union High Schools.
We're here to help high school students build the academic skills, motivation, and self-confidence they need for success in a college setting. How do we do this? We do this by providing fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance, including a variety of services.
What is Upward Bound?
Federally Funded Program
High School Participants
Support
Upward Bound (UB) is a federally funded program in a cluster of programs referred to as TRIO. 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.
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 bachelor's degree).
UB provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. 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
- Assistance with financial aid, scholarship, and college applications