Federal TRIO educational opportunity outreach programs support and motivate low-income, first-generation college students as well as students with disabilities to navigate academic environments from middle school to postgraduate programs. The goal of Federal TRIO programs is to increase the percentage of low-income and first generation college students who successfully pursue postsecondary education opportunities.
Upward Bound provides academic and personal support and guidance to help qualifying high school students get to college. First generation college students, participants have college potential, but lack awareness of the many academic and career options possible after high school. DCTC’s Upward Bound program closes that gap.
Part of the family of Federal TRIO programs, Upward Bound is funded by the U.S. Department of Education. TRIO programs ensure equal educational opportunities for all students by providing skills and information needed to overcome class, social and cultural barriers to higher education.
A motivational program based on academics, Upward Bound assists high school students with graduation requirements while preparing them for enrollment in and eventual completion of postsecondary education.
Funded by the U.S. Department of Education and sponsored by Dakota County Technical College, Upward Bound serves 50 students in grades 9-12 from Henry Sibley and South St. Paul high schools and 60 students from Burnsville High School.
All qualified students are encouraged to apply. Our policy obliges us to accept students who best conform to the program's federal guidelines. Applications are available through the Guidance Offices. We will accept students who best conform to the program's federal income guidelines, first-generation in the family to attend college, and potential for success in a college program of study.
Services
Academic tutoring
Personal enrichment workshops
Stipend (money) during the academic year and summer months based on attendance and academic performance
One-on-one mentoring with an academic/career advisor
Afterschool program sessions twice a week
Six-week summer program at DCTC with math, science, English, foreign language, computer skills and study skills classes
Assistance with college entrance requirements
Parent/guardian support and assistance in matters affecting the student's educational progress
Fun cultural, social and career-oriented field trips
Access to computer-based career and postsecondary educational information
Financial aid and scholarship information and assistance
Opportunities to meet many new friends who share the goal of a college education
Eligibility Criteria for Selection as Upward Bound Student
Low income and/or potential first-generation college student
Grade Point Average of 2.5 or better
Potential for academic success in postsecondary education
Consistent class attendance
Committed to graduating from high school
Committed to pursuing a postsecondary program
Committed to the Upward Bound program requirements
Citizen or permanent resident of the United States
Must be a current student at one of the following high schools: Burnsville, Henry Sibley, and South St. Paul
Upward Bound Services
Academic Year
Our afterschool programs target South St. Paul High School/Henry Sibley High School and Burnsville High School.
Our academic advising ensures that students enroll in classes that prepare them for college.
Our mandatory monthly Saturday educational workshops focus on:
Intensive skill development
Preparation for college entrance exams such as the ACT and SAT
During our six-week summer session, Upward Bound provides academic instruction in mathematics, laboratory sciences, composition/literature, foreign culture and languages.
Other services may include some or all of the following:
Assistance in college searches and campus visits to gain information on postsecondary education opportunities
Career visits to business, industry, medicine, publishing and so forth to expose participants about careers requiring a postsecondary degree
Cultural enrichment activities
Other opportunities to help students grow and become more motivated to succeed, such as leadership conferences as well as occasional overnight and multi-day trip
Federal TRIO educational opportunity outreach programs support and motivate low-income, first-generation college students as well as students with disabilities to navigate academic environments from middle school to postgraduate programs. The goal of Federal TRIO programs is to increase the percentage of low-income and first generation college students who successfully pursue postsecondary education opportunities.
