The TRIO Upward Bound (UB) program on the campus of Snead State Community College is an educational program funded by the United States Department of Education. TRIO Upward Bound is a year-round educational program designed to assist participants to improve their academic and study skills in high school, to develop career and educational plans, and to enter and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.
TRIO Upward Bound serves students from low-income families and families in which neither parent has completed a four-year college degree (baccalaureate degree). Students in ninth through twelfth grade may apply if they attend Asbury High School, Boaz High School, Brindle Mountain, DAR High School, or Douglas High School and must meet the eligibility requirements in order to be selected. Once selected, students remain in the program until they graduate from high school and completion of the Summer Bridge Program at Snead State Community College.
Mission Statement
The TRIO Upward Bound program mission at Snead State Community College is to provide students with support services designed to assist them in the successful completion of high school, and higher education and to empower the students to overcome academic, class, social and cultural barriers in order to be successful in higher education. It is our goal to enlighten these students to realize their academic potential and encourage their pursuit for success within the academic realm.
Bridge Program
We consider the Bridge program to be an honor, awarded to students who have demonstrated a commitment to the TRIO Upward Bound Program throughout their high school career. This commitment is demonstrated in many ways; through attendance, active program participation, serving as a role model to your peers, following program guidelines, making academic progress and much more.
TRIO Upward Bound students who have graduated from high school, who have been admitted to an institution of higher learning, and who have 75% attendance during the academic year and demonstrated a commitment to the program are eligible to participate in the Bridge program. Students attending the Bridge Program are enrolled for credit in general education courses at Snead State Community College. Students can earn up to 6 credit hours that can be easily transferred to other colleges or universities. It’s an opportunity for the students to get a jump on earning college credits and get a taste of college level academics while in a supportive environment.
Academic Year & Advising
Throughout each academic year, TRIO Upward Bound students have tutoring at their home school. The individual, usually a teacher, is responsible for meeting weekly with the students and providing individualized and group tutoring.
The students, with the help of the staff, become familiar with the process of choosing a college and career, completing college applications, and preparing college essays. Students also receive help with improving study skills, organizational skills, and test taking skills among other topics through workshops.
Each school year, the students visit various university campuses during its regular session to receive a brief introduction to college life. TRIO Upward Bound seniors become increasingly interested in Campus Visits as they apply to various colleges and universities. The TRIO Upward Bound staff assists seniors and their parents in this college review process, and helps prepare college applications and financial aid forms.
The TRIO Upward Bound Academic Advisor works closely with the students and provides academic advising through visits to the schools served on a monthly basis during the academic year. The Academic Advisor may meet with TRIO Upward Bound students in an individual, per grade level or large group setting. All TRIO Upward Bound students are expected to attend all regularly scheduled monthly visits in their school.
The following services are provided:
- Academic Instruction
- Many Opportunities To Meet New Friends
- After School Tutoring Twice A Week
- Academic Advising
- Workshops
- Senior Workshop
- Career Exploration
- ACT Preparation
- College Search and Application Assistance
- Financial Aid Scholarship Information Workshops
- Leadership Development
- Social and Cultural Events
- Campus Visits
What’s the Next Step?
Students may pick up an application from their High School Coordinator in their high school or stop by the TRIO Office in the Bevill Center on the campus of Snead State Community College, or call 256.840.4190.
Need more information?
Contact Upward Bound TRIO Upward Bound Program
Bevill Center
Marie Smith
TRIO Programs Director
Student Support Services & Upward Bound
(256) 840-4131
E-mail: msmith@snead.edu
Rodney Hampton
Academic Coordinator
(256) 840-4176
E-mail: rhampton@snead.edu
Find us on Facebook: TRIO Upward Bound Facebook