TRIO Upward Bound
Preparing underprivileged or first-generation high school students for college.
TRIO Upward Bound is a FREE college preparatory program funded through the US Department of Education providing fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. The program provides opportunities for participants to succeed in their precollege performance and ultimately their higher education pursuits.
Program Services
Academic Year (Sept.-May)
- 1x Monthly Meetings/Workshops
- Advising/Mentoring/Tutoring
- Community Service Learning/Volunteerism
- ACT Preparation
- College Visits/Cultural and Academic Field Trips
- Cohort Retreats/Initiatives
- Monthly Stipends $
Summer Program (June-July for six weeks)
- Arts and Humanities
- Career Exploration/Commuter Experience
- STEM (IceCube), Math and Science
- Summer Stipend $
- Leadership Development
- Summer Trip
Mission
Accretion of youth voices through accountability, advocacy and ardent engagement.
TRIO Upward Bound strives to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of post-secondary education. The program prepares high school students for college through tutoring and academic skill building, social and cultural activities, college and career awareness and personal and academic counseling which are interspersed throughout the academic year and summer program.
Vision
Education is a means for many first-generation or low-income individuals to improve their life circumstances.
Goals
- Provide 4 years of programming to prepare participants for college entry and graduation.
- Provide services to improve academic performance, test preparation and professional development.
- Provide developmental activities that will enhance participants leadership, critical-thinking skills, communication and citizenship engagement.
Values
By cultivating a network of peers, professionals and community members to leverage support for success, we provide a framework for students to firsthand experience and learn how to do this at the college level prior to arriving on a college campus.
Summer Program Employment: Application links in position descriptions.
Resident Advisor Positions (full position description)
The primary responsibility is to supervise and advise high school students during the summer program. The RA's will enhance their own leadership, organizational, problem-solving and communication skills in a safe, educational environment, while enhancing their ability to establish and maintain meaningful student relationships. RA's will lead students in enrichment activities with a social skill-building focus.
(Yearly spring hire, summer work performance)
Hall Director Position (please e-mail Bee Vang to inquire)
The primary responsibility is to supervise the safety of all residence hall staff and residents during the summer program. The HD will create and maintain a community environment in the residence hall, which contributes to the intellectual, social and cultural development of the students.
(Yearly spring hire, summer work performance)
Instructors (full position description)
The primary responsibility of an Upward Bound Instructor is to create an integrated, engaging and interactive class that provides students with skills which enable success in high school and beyond.
(Yearly spring hire, summer work performance)
Inquire about Academic Year Employment by emailing Bee Vang.
Staff Assistant (full position description)
With this position, we provide experiential learning opportunities for students to gain practical experience working with youth in academic and social development. We are seeking part-time staff assistants who directly support UB program staff during the academic year. This position will include learning and developmental opportunities beyond their day-to-day work by implementing curriculums, leading mentorship, and advising current students of the program. This position will start in early fall to late spring with the option for expansion and additional duties into summer; upon agreement.
Lacai login (Participant Profile)
- Service sign-in/sign-out
- Complete surveys
- Review documents
- Upload documents (as instructed by staff)
US Bank Focus Card login (Participant Account)
- Activate Card/Create User Profile
- Check account balances
Tutoring
After school with Upward Bound staff
You can earn up to $10 per month for tutoring/volunteer hours, record them here:
Opportunity Engagement Scholar Award ($1,000)
Award senior participants who have demonstrated commitment, dedication and enthusiasm throughout their engagement in the program, this award is to recognize their efforts and support their financial needs when pursuing a college education.
- Apply during your senior year
Consider presenting a workshop about your college or career to current participants. (send us an e-mail)
From Our Alumni: Words of Wisdom
Pa Ja Lee
UB cohort of 2014, bachelor’s in business management from St. Cloud State University, bachelor’s in communication studies from St. Cloud State University, associate in fine arts from St. Paul College
Upward Bound means: Memorable, Immersive, Impactful
Take away as a former participant: Exposure to college experience, leadership and independence
Message to youth: At the moment education can get exhausting. I was in post-secondary school for 5 to 6 years. I'm glad I never gave up because now I feel like it was a small part of my life. I am still looking to put more tools in my box. Education really brings you different perspectives than people who haven't pursued it.
Kabao Vang
UB cohort of 2020, pursuing master’s in business at St. Thomas University
Upward Bound means: Aeipathy, Unexplainable, Trouvaille
Take away as a former participant: I gain leadership skills. I also learned how to find my voice, true self and my passion.
Message to youth: Live life to the fullest. Take every opportunity and if you ever made a mistake take it as a lesson not a failure/mistake.
Yeng Houa Yang
UB cohort of 2018, pursuing master’s in adolescent health and infectious diseases at John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Upward Bound means: Friendship, Excitement, Family
Take away as a former participant: Enjoy the times you have with those around you. It is great to have shared struggles, happiness, and memories with others in similar shoes as you.
Message to youth: Be curious about each other and the experiences UB provides. This will help you become curious about your own strengths, values, and potentials.
Mai Chang Xiong
UB cohort of 2022, pursuing business degree at St. Paul College
Upward Bound means: Helpful, Fun, Informative
Take away as a former participant: I learned to talk with others and speak up more. Also getting more information on different careers paths.
Message to youth: Find your reason to reach your goals but take your time. You’re still young and have your life ahead of you. Live your life to the fullest but don’t forget about your goals at the same time.
Pa Houa Xiong
UB cohort of 2020, pursuing bachelor’s in human resource management at Metropolitan State University
Upward Bound means: Opportunities, Empowerment, and Growth
Take away as a former participant: Upward Bound gave me more than academic support - it gave me confidence, a sense of belonging, and the belief that my dreams were within reach. It wasn’t just a program; it was a lifeline the shaped my path and proved that with guidance and determination, I could overcome any obstacle.
Message to youth: Never underestimate the power of your dreams or the strength you hold within. Opportunities like Upward Bound exist to help you unlock your full potential, but it’s your courage and hard work that will carry you forward. If you wait for “fate” to come to you, you”ll miss countless opportunities. Believe in yourself, ask for guidance when you need it, and never stop striving for the future you deserve. You are capable of more than you know - go after it with all your heart.
Chee Lao
UB cohort of 2018, associate in law enforcement from St. Paul Police Academy
Upward Bound means: Family, Adventure, Exposure
Take away as a former participant: I learned how to work with others, better myself, and help others who are in need of assistance.
Message to youth: Do it for your future self and think about the long term. You will face many obstacles along the way, but it will all be worth it in the end.
Angelie Moua
UB cohort of 2019, bachelor’s in animal science from University of Minnesota
Upward Bound means: Explore, Independence, Relationships
Take away as a former participant: As a former participant in the program, I learned that a support system is highly valuable if one wants to be successful. It really takes a village to raise a child just like you need advisers, friends, study groups, professors who you can build a bond with, to help encourage and push you to do more if not better!
Message to youth: No one is going to see your progress or the little steps you take to be successful every day, so be your own biggest cheerleader and give yourself the breaks you need.
Douachi Yang
UB cohort of 2018, bachelor’s in social work from St. Catherine University, master's in social work from St. Catherine University
Upward Bound means: Memorable, Preparedness, Support
Take away as a former participant: If someone were to ask me about my high school experience, UB would be the first thing that comes to my mind. A few things I learned from UB is to start planning, for example applying for scholarships during your Senior Year or studying for your ACT as some colleges are picky on this or learn to start saving money for future investment etc. and that learning is a never-ending process.
Message to youth: Learning to balance multiple things in life such as family, friends, and school can be overwhelming, but be sure to spend some time taking care of yourself. Keep striving towards your dreams and it's okay to take some breaks in between. Do not let those stumbling rocks discourage you from reaching your goals.
Recruitment closed for 2024-25, we will open in Sept. 2025 for new 9th grade students to join our program.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Attend Washington Technology Magnet (9th to 12th grade)
- First-generation: no parent, stepparent or guardian, with whom the student lives, has completed a four-year college degree (bachelor's degree)
- Low income: the annual income for the family size does not exceed 150% US poverty levels under federal guidelines
- Academic Need: the student requires academic support to pursue a program of post-secondary education
Successful Applicants:
- Apply early as 9th or 10th grade student (rolling admission)
- Commit to attending all program meetings and events
- Make college education a priority in their life and future goals
- Participate in community service and internships
- Help create a positive college-going atmosphere
- Contribute to the development of their cohort
Are you in the 9th grade?
Don't join TRIO Upward Bound ;)
TRIO Upward Bound Staff:
