TRiO Upward Bound students at Idaho State University in Pocatello gathered on the Quad recently to celebrate TRiO Upward Bound’s 50th anniversary.

    The theme of the celebration was “Celebrating College Access.”

    High school students involved with the TRiO Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math Science six-week residential college preparation summer program, prepared booths relating to higher education.

    TRiO Upward Bound is a federally funded program that provides essential support to participants in planning for college. TRiO Upward Bound is designed to enhance skills and motivation necessary for success in higher education for youth of low income families who are potential first-generation college students.

    According to Sari Byerly, Ph.D., director of TRiO Student Services, the TRiO programs were started in 1964 by President Lyndon Johnson as part of his war on poverty. It was piloted to create the first ever college access and retention programs. The program offers financial support including, housing issues as well academic support.

    In 1965, the TRiO Upward Bound programs were launched across the United States; ISU was one of the originally funded programs which make it one of the oldest TRiO Upward Bound programs in the country.

    TRiO Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math Science federal grants work with 9-12 graders to help prepare them for the rigor of a college curriculum. The ISU Upward Bound/Upward Bound Math Science grants serve 12 high schools in southeastern Idaho: American Falls, Aberdeen, Pocatello, Century, Highland, Sho-Ban, Snake River, Blackfoot, Firth, Shelley, Bonneville and Idaho Falls.

    The Upward Bound program is divided into two terms of education: summer and the academic year. During summer, students come to ISU for eight weeks to take classes concentrating on basic skill improvement in math, English and science, as well as other courses. Students live on campus and participate in a variety of activities as well as study hall after classes each day. The academic year follow-up offers tutoring and advising to students on a weekly basis. Students are transported to Idaho State University for weekly study and tutoring sessions.

    The Upward Bound Math and Science program is designed to strengthen the math and science skills of participating students.

    The goal of the program is to help students recognize and develop their potential to excel in math and science and to encourage them to pursue postsecondary degrees in math and science, and ultimately careers in the math and science.

According to Byerly, these programs were created so high school students can realize that college can be for everyone, regardless of their background. There are 80 spots available in the program at ISU and they are always filled, leaving a waiting list for interested students, reflecting the importance of a college education in our youth today.

    Mateo Gonzalez, a high school senior, is in his third summer of the TRiO program. He is working in research labs with various professors this summer doing things most college students will never have the opportunity to do.

    “I feel that being a part of Upward Bound has really helped me get to where I am right now,” said Gonzalez. “If it weren’t for Upward Bound I don’t feel that I would be as academically inclined. Without Upward Bound I may not even be thinking about going to college. This experience has solidified my decision to go to college.”  

    According to Gonzalez, Upward Bound “is an amazing program because it helps students like me go forward in life and puts us in a position where we can end the poverty cycles in our families.”

    Gonzales strongly feels that if it weren’t for Upward Bound a lot of kids wouldn’t have the opportunity to go to college and experience college life.

    “Upward bound has really opened my eyes to the possibilities of the future, and I believe I will go far because of my experiences through this program,” he said.