Northern's TRIO Upward Bound Program helps students graduate from high school and successfully complete postsecondary education.

TRIO Upward Bound is a federal grant program designed to inspire and support students in their pursuit of postsecondary education. The program offers services throughout the academic year and during a six-week residential summer program at Northern.

 

TRIO Upward Bound offers eligible students expert help with:

  • Academic advising
  • Mentoring
  • Tutoring
  • ACT preparation
  • Time management
  • Financial and economic literacy
  • Scholarship preparation and completion
  • Cultural experiences
  • Choosing a career, and
  • Selecting a college or university

During Northern's summer program, students attend classes in mathematics, laboratory sciences, composition, literature and foreign languages.

 

School Year Program

  • Meet monthly with an TRIO Upward Bound advisor
  • Maintain good attendance at school
  • Participate in weekend workshops
  • Stay in good academic standing (2.5+ GPA)
  • Work with TRIO Upward Bound tutors
  • Receive a monthly stipend

 

Seated students interact on campus green

Summer Program

  • Six weeks' free room and board on Northern's campus
  • Educational instruction in math, science, computers, art, composition, reading and Spanish
  • Use of Northern's computer and science labs
  • Individual advising and tutoring
  • Hands-on learning
  • Free college visits and educational adventures in cities such as Minneapolis, Chicago, Kansas City and Denver
  • Potential to earn high school AND college credit
  • Weekly stipend

 

Bridge Program

Qualified graduating TRIO Upward Bound seniors who have attended the summer program are eligible to earn college credit! Enroll at Northern for a summer class­, and TRIO Upward Bound picks up the tab for room, board, tuition and books.

 

How to Get Involved

To be part of TRIO Upward Bound, applicants must:

  • Be a 9th-11th grader at Aberdeen Central High School or high schools in Britton-Hecla, Doland, Frederick, Langford, Sisseton, Waubay, Webster or Wilmot, S.D.
  • Want academic support to help prepare for college
  • Aspire to attend and graduate from college
  • Meet income and parental education guidelines

 

For more information, reach out to Jennie Thompson, director of TRIO Upward Bound, at 605-626-3299 or jennie.thompson@northern.edu; or stop by Mewaldt-Jensen 103-104.