MARIETTA—Washington State College of Ohio (WSCO) TRIO Upward Bound program will receive more than $1.5 million over the next five years to help eligible high school students in southeast Ohio overcome social, emotional, and academic barriers to achieve post-secondary academic success.
WSCO Upward Bound College Prep Academy Director Amy Taylor explained that the program is a federally funded pre-college academic program designed to support and encourage high school students to complete high school and pursue a college degree. WSCO’s program serves students from Morgan and Washington counties.
“This renewal grant enables the WSCO Upward Bound program to continue to offer free support to help low-income, first-generation students achieve the skills they need to graduate high school and pursue post-secondary education,” said Taylor.
The grant will be used to support a variety of academic, social, and cultural activities. These events are planned to help students build self-esteem, provide opportunities for personal growth, and build social skills. There are also internship opportunities for students that are in different fields. Additionally, program participants receive services including school tutoring, college and career exploration, individual academic support, and counseling.
“Education changes lives, and through Upward Bound we are able to open doors for our students and encourage them to pursue a degree that will change the trajectory of their future,” said Taylor.
Upward Bound is one of eight federally funded TRIO programs. It is one of the oldest of these programs, created as a result of 1965’s Higher Education Act.
WSCO’s Upward Bound College Prep Academy serves and assists eligible high school students from low-income and first-generation families. For more information about Upward Bound, including how to apply, visit wscc.edu/upward-bound.
