BW Hosts Upward Bound Event, Empowering Local High School Students
Baldwin Wallace University recently welcomed high school students from across the Cleveland area for a new event hosted by TRIO Upward Bound, a program dedicated to supporting students from low-income backgrounds and underrepresented groups in their pursuit of higher education. The event aimed to provide valuable resources and experiences to help students prepare for college and future careers.
For over five decades, Upward Bound has been a vital pathway to possibility for countless students. Established in 1968 by President Lyndon Johnson as part of the Higher Education Act, the program currently serves 105 high school students at BW, offering services at no cost to participants. These services include after-school tutoring, counseling, recreational activities, and specialized instruction in English and STEM fields.
“He said to me, ‘I didn’t know it was helping back then, but looking back, it gave me the life skills I needed to pursue the career and family I wanted,'” shared Somrak, highlighting the long-term impact of the program.
BW’s involvement with Upward Bound began with former President A.B. Bonds, who championed the program’s launch and secured a grant to provide educational access and resources. In the 1980s, funding expanded to support high schools throughout the Cleveland area. The program’s success is consistently demonstrated through annual reports submitted to the Department of Education, ensuring continued grant funding.
Students interested in learning more about Upward Bound can contact [email protected]. College students interested in assisting with the program might potentially be eligible for a stipend.
