Southwestern Community College has been awarded a $1,250,000 grant under the Upward Bound Program from the U.S. Department of Education.
Upward Bound is among seven Federal TRIO Programs that serve middle, high school, and college students with the goal of increasing postsecondary enrollment and completion. Upward Bound is a college preparatory program for high school students designed to encourage academic success in high school as well as college.
Research has shown that Upward Bound program graduates are seven times as likely to attend college and graduate from college as those who do not participate.
The Upward Bound Program provides intensive and nurturing academic services during the academic year, the summer months and after high school graduation. Services include tutoring, mentoring, college visits, college entrance exam preparation, service learning opportunities, financial literacy workshops, cultural, social and self-enrichment activities, and a “Bridge” program to help students transition to college. All activities, including transportation and meals, are provided at no cost to the students or parents.
Southwestern Community College has successfully hosted the Upward Bound program since 1999.
For more information please contact Annette Kesgen, Upward Bound Program Director, at (828) 339-4281 or akesgen@southwesterncc.edu.
Pictured: Upward Bound current high school seniors on their college tour trip in front of the Old Well at UNC-Chapel Hill
Front row: Charity Stewart, Paige Dunlap, Caitlin Gilbert
Back row: Luke Carver, Devon Picon, Dakota Burrell, Trevor Woodard
