“I feel that the program has empowered me, it’s given me more confidence. I wouldn’t say I’m a shy, timid person, but it takes me a while to adapt, but these people made me feel so comfortable, I was able to express myself. It’s given me a new sense of self in a way, it’s amazing.”
Iris Haley, Student
The TRiO Upward Bound program is designed to make higher education accessible for low-income and first generation students through focusing on college readiness, securing financial aid, tutoring, and more. By offering essential educational and supportive services from 8th grade to five years post-high school graduation, this program helps students navigate the complexities of the college application process.
“We are keeping track of their scholarships dollars, their financial aid, the schools that they are applying to, and for our underclassmen, gage what interests that they have,” explains Katie Johnston, a Case Manager in TRiO Upward Bound. “We are creating trips and experiences that help broaden their idea of what college can look like for them and what they can see themselves doing in the future.”
Isis Haley, an Upward Bound participant, is a rising senior at Brooks College Prep, hoping to attend Texas A&M next year. She found the program when Katie visited her high school. “[The program] offers college tours and SAT prep, and just tutoring in general,” she says, explaining why she joined. “In the summer program, we have been doing the necessary things to prep for college. My dreams have always been to go to college but now it feels more tangible, and I know they have helped other people get there so it’s reassuring.”
But Upward Bound doesn’t just focus on getting youth accepted into college – it supports them so they can see it through to graduation.
Another Upward Bound student, London Jackson, is a rising senior at Kenwood Academy High School, who recently became a 2024 Cubs Scholar after applying for the $20,000 scholarship through the Upward Bound program. “I didn’t know how everything worked,” he explains. “Like grants, I had no idea what a grant scholarship was until I got here. I’ve just gotten a lot of great experiences and overall opportunities.” London plans to enroll in college next fall, hoping to study fashion design, fashion and business, or sports management.
Over its 18-year history, TRiO Upward Bound has empowered countless students across five Chicago high schools, turning dreams of college into reality. “Seeing those acceptances come in, seeing those scholarships come in, they are blooming right before your eyes and being with them every step of the way is honestly an honor,” says Katie.
“In this program I met a lot of great people. We have done workshops and college tours, which were great. We did resume help, portfolio help and personal statement work. Those were all great experiences. I didn’t really think I’d have the opportunity to do so otherwise.”
London Jackson, student