Bevill State Community College’s TRIO program—Upward Bound Math & Science (UBMS)—has been renewed by the Department of Education Office of Postsecondary Education. The total award for this program, located on the Fayette Campus, is a little over $1.4 million, approximately $300,000 per year. This grant assures the program’s continuation for the next five years, through 2027.

Upward Bound Math & Science, one of five federally funded TRIO Programs at Bevill State, is designed to strengthen the math and science skills of participating students. The goal of the program is to help students recognize and develop their potential to excel in STEM and to encourage them to pursue post-secondary degrees in math and science, and ultimately careers in the math and science profession.

“Fayette’s Upward Bound Math & Science program provides support for students interested in the critical STEM fields of math and science,” stated Dr. Joel Hagood, President of Bevill State Community College. “BSCC is proud of the UBMS Staff for their continued success with this program. 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.”

This program must serve a total of 63 students throughout 9 schools that are served by this project: Berry High School, Brilliant High School, Fayette County High School, Hamilton High School, Hubbertville High School, Lamar County High School, Marion County High School, Pickens County High School, and Sulligent High School.

There is no cost to program participants, however, interested students must apply. To qualify, students need to be enrolled in 9th-12th grade and attend one of the program's high schools. A portion of the total participants must be income-eligible and potential first-generation college students (both parents hold less than a bachelor’s degree); also academic need is considered as part of the selection process.

Services provided by UBMS include: 

• Academic tutoring to enable students to complete secondary or postsecondary courses;

• Assistance with preparing part college entrance examinations and completing college admission applications;

• Assistance with Federal student financial aid programs and benefits and resources for locating public and private scholarships; and assistance in completing financial aid applications, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid;

• Provide education or counseling services designed to improve the financial and economic literacy of students or the students' parents, including financial planning for postsecondary education;

• Intensive instruction in mathematics and science, including hands-on experience in laboratories, in computer facilities, etc.;

• Offer activities that will provide participants with opportunities to learn from mathematicians and scientists who are engaged in research and teaching, or who are engaged in research or applied science at hospitals, governmental laboratories, or other public and private agencies;

• Summer instructional component designed to simulate a college-going experience and includes daily coursework and other activities;

• Summer bridge component consisting of math- and science-related coursework for those participants who have completed high school;

• Exposure to cultural events, academic programs, and other activities not usually available to disadvantaged youth;

• Information, activities, and instruction designed to acquaint youth participating in the project with the range of career options;

• Monthly stipends for attendance;

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

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.