TRIO Upward Bound Project
MISSION: “Equipping high school students from Muskegon and Muskegon Heights Public School Academy with the resources and support they need to achieve academic excellence, contribute to their community, graduate high school, and pursue higher education.”
Join TRIO to:
• Take control of your future.
• Get the tools and support you need to complete high school.
• Be ready to pursue a college degree.
• Give back to your community through service projects.
• Meet others your age who want the same success you do.
• Have fun and work hard.
Commitments:
• Two six-week summer programs
• Once a week after school
• Actively participate in pre-college preparatory activities
• Successfully complete high school
What is TRIO?
TRIO is a group of federally funded programs begun in the 1960s to create educational opportunities for students whose parents do not have four-year college degrees and whose taxable income is at or below 150% of the poverty level. Upward Bound was created with the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, the original “War on Poverty” statute.
The Muskegon Community College TRIO Upward Bound Project is 100 percent federally funded at $309,505 annually. The overriding goal of the Upward Bound Project is to assist students throughout high school to ensure that they are adequately prepared to enroll in post-secondary education and to matriculate through to completion of a post-secondary degree. During this process, it is also desired that the students acquire a sense of community and develop into contributing members of society through their involvement in community service projects and volunteer work. Serving those who live in Muskegon and the Muskegon Heights Public School Academy district for the past 18 years, with over 400 participating students.
What does it cost? Nothing! Program participation is absolutely free to those students who qualify.
Who can participate?
To participate, students must have:
- Completed the 8th grade but not the 11th grade and plan on attending Muskegon High School or Muskegon Heights High School
- Be a United States citizen or have permanent residency status
- Meet income requirements
- Be first generation – that is, the parent(s)/guardian(s) with whom the child is living does not have a four-year college degree, OR
- Have a strong desire to attend college upon successful completion of high school
How to Apply to MCC TRIO Upward Bound Project
The TRIO Upward Bound Project application materials are available online. If you have a computer and printer, you can download these documents (links below) and complete the application from home.
Required Documents:
- Application Form
- Permission and Photo Release Form
- Student Essay
- Adult Recommendation Form
- Teacher Recommendation Form
- Needs Self-Assessment
- Qualifying Statement
- Medical Statement
- School Records Release Form
***Please return all of these completed documents to the TRIO Upward Bound Project Office:
Muskegon Community College
TRIO Upward Bound Project
221 S. Quarterline Road #2041
Muskegon, MI 49442
***If you have any questions regarding the application materials or process, please contact Ms. Magnolia Jones at 231-750-6101, or
Lesley Bos
Student Service Specialist
Upward Bound Project Advisor
231-777-0574
Program Sessions
Muskegon Community College TRIO Upward Bound Project
Academic Year:
The academic year begins in September of each year and goes until the month of June. During the academic year, students receive the following services:
- tutorial assistance twice a week
- academic advising
- personal counseling and mentoring
- social and cultural activities
Summer Program:
- In addition, Upward Bound also offers Saturday sessions where students attend presentations on topics of interest.
- The six-week, non-residential component offers the students an opportunity to become totally engaged in the curriculum while on the campus of Muskegon Community College. Students will acquire valuable personal and academic skills by:
- Instruction in math, laboratory sciences, composition and literature, and foreign language.
- Educational field trips, college tours, and guest speakers to broaden students’ experience.
- Interacting with other students who are also college bound.
Parental Participation
Muskegon Community College TRIO Upward Bound Project
Parents are a key element in the academic progress and success of their student and, as such, are expected to work closely with the Upward Bound staff to promote their students’ academic/cultural success. The parents will help to plan and carry out volunteer and community service projects, attend program meetings when scheduled, and provide support for events and activities to promote the students’ success.
TRIO Upward Bound Project Links:
