Upward Bound, TRIO Programs celebrates 50 years of service
Alcorn State has had its share of programs over the years, but Upward Bound has stood the test of time.
Upward Bound, which is administered through The Federal TRIO Program, will celebrate TRIO’s 50th year of providing students with quality training that will prepare them for excellence on Thursday, August 21 in Washington, DC from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, Eastern time. The U.S. Department of Education is coordinating a half-day symposium to celebrate, review and discuss the impact of these programs. The theme for the celebration is TRIO: Celebrating 50 years of promoting excellence by providing hope and opportunity for success.
The event will be broadcasted live via the internet so that participants can listen to the historic discussion. Participants of the event will be able to submit questions by emailing them to [email protected].
The Federal TRIO Programs are federal outreach and student services programs in the United States designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. They are administered, funded, and implemented by the United States Department of Education. TRIO includes eight programs targeted to serve and assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to post-baccalaureate programs.
Other TRIO programs include Upward Bound Math-Science, Veterans Upward Bound, Talent Search, Educational Opportunity Centers, Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program, Student Support Services and Training Program for Federal TRIO Programs.
Upward Bound Director Lucille Donaldson credits the programs for the students’ ability to complete their education.
“I have found the TRIO program to be very beneficial in aiding students academically and socially in successfully completing high school and to enroll and complete postsecondary, graduate and professional school.”
Donaldson believes the program’s leaders are the key to its longevity.
“This program has lasted so long because of funding and support from the U.S. Department of Education. Also, our dedicated personnel at the national, regional and state levels help us with our success.”
Alcorn’s Upward Bound program marched from the Walter Washington Administration to the Dr. Clinton Bristow Jr. Dining Hall in July in honor of TRIO’s 50th year and the 50th year of the Civil Rights Movement. The theme for the march was “Ain’t gonna let nobody turn me around” and “I’m Free.”
