TRiO Upward Bound is a federally funded grant program through the U.S. Department of Education. It is a pre-college program serving high school students from low-income and/or first-generation backgrounds. The goal of the program is to increase the number of eligible students who graduate from high school, enroll in college, and complete a postsecondary degree. TRiO Upward Bound has been in operation at Big Bend Community College since 1967 and is the oldest program of its kind in Washington State.
Every year, 115 students participate in the program from the following four target high schools: Moses Lake, Othello, Royal City, and Warden. The program offers participants academic and personal advising, career planning, SAT/ACT preparation, monthly Saturday enrichment activities, college visits, tutoring, and college admission assistance including financial aid and scholarships. The program offers a six-week residential summer academy where 45 students live in the BBCC residence halls and receive academic instruction to build skills and increase knowledge with particular emphasis in math, English, and science. It also gives students a college-like experience and promotes independence and adapting to living away from home. Cultural and recreational activities and field trips enhance the value of this worthwhile experience. During the summer, a Bridge component is offered to assist recent high school graduates in their transition from secondary school to college. Bridge participants attend summer quarter at BBCC with tuition, books, and room and board paid by the program. They also participate in a “work-study” like program and earn money for college while working at an on-campus job matched with their career choice.
Students are eligible for program services if they are enrolled in one of its (4) target high schools and have completed the 8th grade but have not yet started their senior year. Students need to be first-generation (parents have not earned a bachelor’s degree) and/or their family’s taxable income meets federal income guidelines. Students must be a U.S. citizens or legal residents and be motivated to prepare, enroll, and complete a college degree.
TRiO Upward Bound is funded on a five-year grant cycle and must reapply for funding at the end of each cycle. The program operates on a yearly budget of $559,208 which covers 100% of its costs.