TRIO Upward Bound

TRIO Upward Bound at South Dakota State University is a free, federally funded college-preparation program for high school students from low-income households or who would be the first in their families to attend college. It works with students at four partner high schools: Flandreau High School and Flandreau Indian School in Flandreau, and Roosevelt and Washington high schools in Sioux Falls. Its goal is to raise the number of these students who enroll in and graduate from college. During the school year, participants get weekly tutoring at their own high school. They can also join Saturday enrichment programming that includes cultural events, college visits and social activities. Each summer, students take part in a six-week residential academic program on the SDSU campus in Brookings. They live in the residence halls with staff, attend high school or college courses, and join cultural and team-building activities, giving them a firsthand experience of college life. SDSU says the program costs students nothing and covers a furnished room, meals, classes, transportation and sponsored activities. Upward Bound is funded by the U.S. Department of Education under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. SDSU does not publish specific summer dates or the number of students served.

Open to 9th and 10th graders at Flandreau High School, Flandreau Indian School, or Roosevelt or Washington High School in Sioux Falls, SD, who meet federal family income guidelines or would be first-generation college students. Apply with a teacher or counselor recommendation, a recent transcript, eighth-grade test scores, and proof of family income, then complete an interview with Upward Bound staff. Participants commit to Saturday sessions, tutoring, and the six-week summer program through high school.