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.
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, Two Rivers, and South St. Paul
Upward Bound Services
Academic Year
Our afterschool programs target South St. Paul Secondary School, Two Rivers 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
Career research
College applications and planning
Scholarship and financial aid applications
We also offer:
Cultural learning experiences. Previous sessions have featured bowling, college visits, multicultural celebration, Science Museum of Minnesota, and volunteering at Feed My Starving Children.
Tutoring services. Premier tutors that offer 1:1 individualized support
SEL workshops.*
STEAM cohorts.* Previous sessions included creating your own app, coding, drones, building your own mini battery-operated car, and learning how to create your own retro arcade game.
* These services provided by ICAP grant.
Summer Session
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 overnight college dorm visits. Previous trips included Washington, Chicago, and Duluth.
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.
