TRIO Upward Bound

TRiO Upward Bound is a federally funded program through the U.S. Department of Education designed to encourage high school students to complete their high school education and pursue higher education. The program is funded to serve 115 students per year from the following target high schools: Moses Lake, Othello, Royal City, and Warden.

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. Its purpose is to provide equal access to post-secondary education for high school students by providing them with adequate preparation to enter college. The program achieves this by providing its participants with academic and personal advising, after-school tutoring & mentoring, career awareness & planning, SAT/ACT preparation, monthly Saturday enrichment activities, college admission assistance including financial aid and scholarships. 

The program offers a six-week residential summer school where 52 selected students live in the BBCC residence halls and receive intensive academic instruction to build skills and increase knowledge with particular emphasis in math, English, and science.  Cultural and recreational activities and field trips enhance the value of this worthwhile experience.  TRiO Upward Bound offers a Bridge Program to assist recent high school graduates in the transition from secondary school to college. Selected participants attend summer quarter at BBCC with tuition, books and room and board paid by TRiO Upward Bound. They also participate in a “work study” like job and earn money for college while working on-campus in a position matched with their career choice if possible.

The program is funded at $559,208 annually and the grant is renewed every 5 years.

ELIGIBILITY:

Students are eligible to apply if they are enrolled in one of the target high schools and have completed the 8^th grade but not yet started their senior year.  Also, they need to be a first-generation, college-bound student whose parents have not completed a Bachelor’s degree and/or their family’s taxable income meets federal income guidelines.  Students must be a U.S. Citizen or legal resident and be motivated and have the academic potential to succeed in college. 

School Year Services include

• Academic & Personal Advising
• Tutoring Services
• Career Exploration & Planning
• SAT/ACT Preparation & Fee Waivers
• Educational, Cultural, and Social Monthly Events
• College Campus Tours
• Assistance with College Applications
• Assistance with filling out the financial aid application & scholarships
• Community Service & Leadership Opportunities
• Dual Credit Guidance (AP, College in the HS, Running Start, etc.)
• Financial Literacy
• Laptop Loan Program

Summer School Services include

• Six-week Residential Summer Academy
• High school Graduation Credit Opportunities
• College Prep Instruction
• Educational & Cultural Field Trips
• Recreational Activities
• Life & Academic Skill Development
• Bridge Component (summer quarter following high school graduation)
  • BBCC Summer Quarter Tuition, Books, and Fees Paid
  • Room & Board Paid
  • Paid Work Experience (Part-Time)