The University of Georgia’s TRIO Upward Bound programs are celebrating the class of 2024’s many accomplishments over the past four years. Upward Bound, a federally funded TRIO program, is a college preparatory program designed to generate the skills and motivation necessary for success in post-secondary education among high school students who are low income and potential first-generation college students. UGA’s Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math Science programs supports over 200 high school students each year.
Many of this year’s graduating students began their time with Upward Bound during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in fall 2020. “They [students] endured meetings, travel, and the summer program with masks, social distancing, and room sanitization with an amazing amount of grace and endurance,” states Jacory Mapp. “This proves that nothing can slow these graduates down…They are on a mission to succeed and nothing will stand in their way!”
Over the past four years, the graduating students attended a six-week residential summer program where they lived on campus at UGA while taking classes and attending activities. Then, throughout the academic year, students met weekly with their Upward Bound coordinator for advising, tutoring, and other activities.
This year, UGA’s TRIO Upward Bound program celebrated the graduation of 58 students from 10 different high schools in Athens and surrounding counties. Jesse Stephens, one of the graduates, states, “You really can make any path for yourself in life; you just need to use resources, support, and have faith that you are true in who you are.” Graduating students are attending universities across Georgia this fall including UGA, Georgia Southern University, Emory University, and Mercer University.
Their time in the program culminated with a senior trip out west in Las Vegas and Phoenix. For many of the students, this was their first time flying in an airplane. While in Arizona, the group visited Arizona State University, took a STEM jeep tour, and explored the Grand Canyon. In Las Vegas, they enjoyed a sightseeing tour of the Strip, attended a Michael Jackson show, and toured the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. One senior expressed his gratitude, saying, “I appreciate the program so much. I never thought I would get on a plane and visit Vegas. Thank you for the experience.”
