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Announcements

TRIO Receives Funding to Continue Two Upward Bound Programs

TRIO Pre-College Programs assist local high school students from underrepresented and underserved backgrounds to graduate from high school and succeed in higher education.

Silhouette of a student climbing stairs indoors, with the Technology Tower of Talley Student Union in the background

The NC State University TRIO Pre-College Programs have received two federal grants totaling over $4.5 million to continue assisting Franklin, Vance and Wake County high schools students from underrepresented and underserved backgrounds to graduate from high school and succeed in higher education.

The two programs will serve 186 students annually through intensive services with the goal of preparing students to graduate from high school and enter college. Specific activities include academic advising, college tours, standardized test preparation, financial literacy services and assistance with completing college admissions applications and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Ultimately, the programs aim to increase the number of students from first-generation and under-resourced families that enter into and complete postsecondary education.

“The Division of Academic and Student Affairs applauds Maurice Mathis, senior director of the TRIO Pre-College Programs, and the TRIO Upward Bound staff for their efforts to secure funding to provide these critical services for under-resourced students,” said Carrie Zelna, associate vice chancellor. “Notification of these grants being refunded continues the 44-year legacy of TRIO Programs on NC State’s campus and reiterates the university’s promise as a land-grant institution to provide equitable services and access to the communities we serve.”

About NC State TRIO Programs

TRIO Programs are federal outreach and student services programs designed to serve and assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to postbaccalaureate degrees. Of these eight programs, NC State University supports four impact areas through seven programs, including the two premier TRIO pre-college programs, Talent Search (1991 and 2021) and Upward Bound (1978 and 2012). Collectively they have served thousands of students by providing access to higher education and critical support services. NC State’s Student Support Services program for undergraduate students launched in 2010. The Student Support Services STEM program was introduced in 2015 and was joined by the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program in 2017.