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Upward Bound participant receives full scholarship

2018-05-24

A Smoky Mountain High School student and Upward Bound participant, Alysia Figueroa was not only accepted to UNC Chapel Hill but received a full-ride scholarship for the duration of her time there.

Figueroa was also offered comparable scholarships at NC State University, and Appalachian State University, both of which would have also allowed her to graduate debt-free.

She credits her experience with Upward Bound for her recent accomplishments.

“Without Upward Bound’s supportive and encouraging staff, I would not have the opportunities that I have presented to me today. By participating in Upward Bound, I came to realize how capable I am, and that I can make my dreams a reality,” Figueroa said.
The Upward Bound program is a free college preparatory program that provides services like tutoring, college visits and summer enrichment programs that are designed to encourage academic success in participating students from Swain, Jackson, Macon counties and the Qualla Boundary. They are accepting applications at this time from current eighth, ninth, and tenth graders.

“To say we are proud of Alysia is an understatement,” said Annette Kesgen, Director of the Upward Bound program. “Her work ethic speaks for itself, and we are excited to see what she accomplishes throughout her college career. Success stories like Alysia’s make the work we put into our program so worth it.”

For more information on the Upward Bound program, contact Annette Kesgen at 828.339.4281.

 

Alysia Figueroa will attend UNC Chapel Hill in the fall

 

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