Bevill State Community College’s TRIO program—Upward Bound (UB)—has been renewed. The total award for all programs combined is a little over $1.2 million a year from the Department of Education Office of Postsecondary Education. This grant assures the programs’ continuation for the next five years, through 2027. 

Upward Bound, one of five federally funded TRIO Programs at Bevill State, serves a total of 27 high schools, approximately 262 students in grades 10-12, in the College’s seven-county service area. The primary goal of the Bevill State UB Programs is providing services to its participants that will assist them in preparing for and achieving success in an institution of higher learning. Selection criteria for Upward Bound participants include: income-eligible, potential first-generation college student, and academic need. Two-thirds of the selected participants must be both income-eligible and a potential first- generation college student with academic need. 

“The Upward Bound program provides critical support for students preparing for higher education, and this funding will go a long way to help students in the Bevill State service area succeed,” stated Dr. Joel Hagood, President of Bevill State Community College. “BSCC is proud of the UB Staff for their continued success in these vital programs. Additionally, the College’s Office of Institutional Effectiveness, Research, and Grants staff were instrumental in ensuring the quality and depth of the grant renewal submission was outcome-driven, fiscally sound, and impactful.” 

Upward Bound provides fundamental support to eligible participants in their preparation for college entrance. The program provides opportunities for participants to succeed in their precollege performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits. The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education. 

Services provided include: 

• Instruction in math, foreign language, laboratory sciences, literature, and composition

• Tutorials for academic subjects

• Mentoring for careers and college life

• College entrance exam preparation

• Counseling for academic, personal, and career goals

• Financial aid assistance

• Exposure to academic and cultural events

• Seminars to enhance awareness in the areas of academics, social skills, health and physical maintenance, lifestyles, and values clarification

• Monthly stipends for attendance

• Summer college credit classes at Bevill State with tuition and fees paid by the project for graduating seniors

• Work-study positions to expose participants to careers requiring a postsecondary degree

About Bevill State Community College (BSCC): 

Bevill State Community College is a public, two-year, "open door" institution, committed to providing comprehensive education and educational support services for people in West Central Alabama and beyond. Bevill State is a member of the Alabama Community College System. Bevill State's four main campuses, and one instructional site, offer university parallel and applied technology educational opportunities to over one-quarter million people in a seven-county area. This service area spans over 4,600 square miles, from the Birmingham city limits to the Mississippi state line. 

For more information contact Tana Collins-Allred at 800.648.3271 ext. 5742 or by email at tana.collins@bscc.edu.  Please visit our website at www.bscc.edu.