Upward Bound Grant Renewed for Five Years

Snead State Community College’s TRiO Upward Bound program achieved a significant milestone during one of the most competitive grant seasons in the program’s history. Upward Bound’s grant was renewed in full for another five years.

Snead State’s program received $1.25 million for the next five years to continue to offer services to disadvantaged students. The College was among a limited number of U.S. institutions to receive grant renewals. Nationally, nearly one-quarter of existing programs did not receive funding.

“We are so excited to have recaptured this grant in such a competitive season,” said Marie Smith, Director of the Federal TRiO Programs at Snead State Community College. “The program has allowed the College to reach out and provide opportunities to students who may not have them otherwise.”

Upward Bound prepares low-income and potential first-generation college students to continue their education beyond the high school level. The grant renewal not only allows SSCC to continue to serve 50 students from Boaz, DAR, Asbury and Douglas High Schools, but also includes an extra 10 students with the addition of Brindlee Mountain High School.

“The program targets low-income and first-generation college students because sometimes their situations provide obstacles for them in the classroom. They earn low grades when they have the potential to earn As and Bs. Upward Bound offers another kind of ‘family’ to step in and help them turn things around,” said Mrs. Smith.

The TRiO Upward Bound program provides high school students with tutoring, academic advising, monthly workshops, college transfer tours, cultural events, and a six-week summer residential experience. From June 17-July 27, around 45-50 students will live on campus and participate in personal growth workshops, college and cultural visits,  and take courses in math, literature, composition, science, foreign language, and computer science.

The success of the Upward Bound program is assisting first-generation college students who in many cases have limited financial resources is an example of SSCC’s mission. Snead State strives for excellence in meeting the educational needs of students, and the College has set a priority of assisting students in finishing what they start – with the end goal a college degree.

Of all of the Upward Bound participants last year, 89 percent of them achieved at proficient level during high school on state assessments in reading/language arts and math, and 85 percent of the participants enrolled in postsecondary education by the fall term immediately following their expected high school graduation date. Seventy-nine percent of all Upward Bound participants who enrolled in postsecondary education during the fall term immediately following high school graduation enrolled for the fall term of the second academic year.

Upward Bound is one of two federally-funded TRiO programs available at Snead State.  The TRiO Student Support Services Program serves 160 students who are enrolled at the College. They also receive tutoring and academic advising services and participate in enrichment and cultural activities.

Snead State Community College has received funding for the TRiO programs since 2003. The College reapplies for the grant every five years.