June 16, 2022
By Hazel Scott/ASU
Alabama State University’s Upward Bound program has received a $1,742,490 grant over a five-year period from the U.S. Department of Education.
This renewal grant enables ASU’s Upward Bound program, now in existence for 30-plus years, to continue to help more low-income, first-generation students achieve the skills they need to graduate high school and pursue post-secondary education
“Five years of funding opens up valuable new opportunities for our Upward Bound students. It has been instrumental in making an impact with students from Lowndes, Montgomery and Elmore County schools,” said Dr. Acquanetta M. Pinkard, ASU’s Director of TRIO Programs, “Our students primarily come from low-income families. Our goal is that by going to college, it can lead to a better life for these students and their families. It’s an honor to support them and see their college dreams realized.”
Pinkard noted that ASU’s Upward Bound program, which is free for participants, serves 67 high school students each year. “The program has assisted more than 3,000 students to graduate and access higher education, many of whom are graduates of Alabama State University.”
Program participants receive services including school tutoring, college and career exploration, individual academic counseling, and much more.
“It’s to get them in a mindset of what college is about and learn how to navigate that whole process…it provides the information and inspiration they need to go on to college… and the program equips them with the self-confidence and tenacity to thrive in high school and college,” Pinkard added.
About Upward Bound
Upward Bound. one of the federal TRIO programs, is an intensive intervention program that prepares students for higher education through various enrichment courses. At least two-thirds of the students in each local Upward Bound program are from low-income economic backgrounds and families in which neither parent has a bachelor's degree.