Upward Bound impact grows, grant renewed

The University of North Georgia's (UNG) Upward Bound Program continues to expand the way it helps underrepresented and underserved high school students prepare for college.

This fall, the program took 30 students to the San Francisco area to visit Stanford University; the University of California-Berkeley; California State University, East Bay; and other sites for cultural learning in that region. Though Upward Bound students from Johnson High School in Gainesville, Georgia, and Gilmer High School in Ellijay, Georgia, regularly tour colleges, this was the most substantial travel to date.

UNG received a five-year, $1.4 million renewal through Aug. 31, 2027, of its Upward Bound grant from the U.S. Department of Education. 

"We are pleased that both UB programs were renewed for an additional five years to continue supporting students and their families in Hall and Gilmer counties. During the first grant award, UB staff worked continuously to increase program visibility and awareness, retention and postsecondary enrollment," Dr. Latrice Richardson, UNG's director of Pre-College Access Grant Programs, said. "In this new grant cycle, we look forward to building on our successes and overcoming the myriad challenges so that more TRIO-eligible students have greater access to colleges and universities of their choosing."

In addition to college visits, Upward Bound provides twice-a-week tutoring, ACT and SAT preparation, and a summer institute that helps students move toward their goals.

We are pleased that both UB programs were renewed for an additional five years to continue supporting students and their families in Hall and Gilmer counties.

Dr. Latrice Richardson

UNG's director of Pre-College Access Grant Programs

Jasmin Partida, a senior at Johnson High, said being a part of Upward Bound helped grow her social skills and confidence in regard to attending college.

"Before, I felt like I wouldn't get far because I didn't have that support. But I have that support now," Partida said. "I know that I will get far. I just have to reach out for that help and know it's there for me."

Leslie Benitez, a senior at Gilmer High, said Richardson's leadership has helped pave the way for her college journey by pushing Benitez out of her comfort zone. She can recall staying in a UNG residence hall the summer before her high school freshman year for the Upward Bound Summer Institute and being intimidated by the college campus.

"We've toured so many colleges to the point that I know where my comfort level is now," Benitez said. "I was really afraid, but now I'm not."

Advice on the recent trip from the group's tour guide at Stanford stood out to Benitez as she heard him speak about the prestigious university.

"It's not this big, unattainable thing," Benitez said. "He made it feel like there's no limit on your dreams or your aspirations."

Partida recommends Upward Bound to anyone interested in pursuing higher education.

"They'll help us with anything we need help with," Partida said. "If you're trying to get into college, you should really look into the program."