Eastern Michigan University TRiO Upward Bound program has received a five-year grant renewal which is valued at more than $2 million. This grant will serve students throughout the 2026-2027 academic year.
According to Upward Bound, the program at EMU is a federally funded pre-college academic program that is designed to help students from Ypsilanti Community High Schools with the skills and motivation they need to obtain a college degree. The EMU Upward Bound program has professional counselors who are experienced in their field of work, seek to help students to succeed, and want young people to achieve their dreams. This program is free to anyone who wants to be part of the activities and services.
According to the program website, Upward Bound members receive services such as College Club, Group Meeting, Freshman Academy, Sophomore Academy, Junior Scholars, and Senior Seminars.
The Upward Bound members also receive courses in main subjects that strengthen students' academic skills throughout high school. Additionally, the program offers a variety of academic, social and cultural activities that are planned to help students build self-esteem, provide opportunities for personal growth, and build social skills. There are also internship opportunities for students that are in different fields.
"Some lessons I've gained from Upward Bound are time management," Tytianna Zowa, a junior at Ypsilanti High School, said. "I've learned how to manage my time wisely, and prioritize my assignments, and make routines, and organize my schedules."
There are many benefits to this program that students can gain from in high school and carry throughout their college careers.
"My favorite thing about Upward Bound is that we are really able to take the hope that young people have for going to college, and getting a great career, or starting a business, and we're really able to lay out a pathway towards it." Roderick Wallace, the program director of the Upward Bound program, said. "So its not a goal that is ambiguous, or a cloud or anything. We're actually able to say, this is the direct pathway towards your dreams."
Upward Bound is currently recruiting students to apply in grades 8, 9 and 10.
