Northwestern Michigan College’s successful Upward Bound program, a part of the college for 20 years, was among 233 programs nationally that did not receive federal TRIO funding from the United States Department of Education in the most recent funding cycle. NMC’s Upward Bound program has provided various educational services for first generation, low income TCAPS and Suttons Bay 9th through 12th grade students and their parents.
As part of the funding process, each three to four years NMC Upward Bound staff created a grant proposal for a federal TRIO grant. This most recent round of the grant proposal process ended with 780 grants funded out of 1,013 applicants across the nation. The funding band was 106.2 to 108 out of 100 possible points for the grant and additional potential bonus points. Though NMC’s grant proposal earned more than 100 points (it scored 102), it was not among those to receive continued funding.
We are saddened by this outcome because we believe that this type of program is a necessary ongoing educational enhancement for the Traverse Bay community.
The intent of the Upward Bound program is to provide a pathway for students to engage and be successful in their high school experience, graduate and then continue their education by attending college. The Upward Bound staff members developed and coordinated weekly mentoring, tutoring, and college readiness curriculum opportunities for Upward Bound students throughout their high school years as well as ACT preparation and other activities to build relationships between the students and staff. The staff members also assisted Upward Bound students and their families in identifying potential colleges, and completing college applications and financial aid processes. The Upward Bound program at NMC enjoyed 20 years of success as graduates committed to working diligently to finish high school and attend college thereby creating a new educational pathway for themselves and their future families.
Therefore, NMC is in the process of applying for another TRIO Upward Bound math and science grant. In addition, we are creating an NMC Idea Summary proposal to include programming and administrative support for TCAPS students participating in the NMC Commitment Scholarship Program, Upward Bound, dual enrollment, concurrent enrollment, and early and middle college. We will keep you informed as decisions are made about the potential transformation of this program and our plans to communicate this information to the students and families currently being served by Upward Bound .