Grand Valley's Upward Bound funding tops $1 million

The Grand Valley State University TRIO Upward Bound program has been awarded $400,028 in funding from the U.S. Department of Education for the 2010-11 program year. This brings the total TRIO Upward Bound authorized funding for the performance period to $1,200,084.

Upward Bound is a federally funded TRIO program, which was originally established by the U.S. Department of Education in 1965. Grand Valley has received continual funding for the Upward Bound program since 1978. Upward Bound prepares underserved and/or first-generation college-bound students, in ninth through twelfth grades, for success in high school and enrollment in college.

"Once accepted, an Upward Bound student can participate until graduation from high school," said TRIO Programs Director Arnie Smithalexander. "This funding allows us to continue to provide all services at no cost to participants."

The Upward Bound program provides academic instruction, tutoring, counseling, and cultural activities designed to build the academic skills, motivation, and self-confidence necessary for success in college. The program also offers assistance in the search for financial aid and scholarships, as well as support in completing the college admissions process.

For more information visit www.gvsu.edu/trio, or call (616) 331-3441.