UH Hilo’s Upward Bound Program awarded nearly $6M

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo Upward Bound Program was recently awarded four new five-year grants totaling nearly $6 million through the U.S. Department of Education Federal TRIO Programs to support high school students in their preparation for college entrance.

The programs and their grant awards include:

• UH Hilo Upward Bound East Program ($1,488,005) with target high schools of Kea‘au High School and Pahoa High & Intermediate School
• UH Hilo Upward Bound Urban Program ($1,488,005) with target high schools of Hilo High School and Waiakea High School
• UH Hilo Upward Bound North Program ($1,488,000) with target high schools of Honoka‘a High & Intermediate School and Kohala High School
• UH Hilo Upward Bound West Program ($1,488,005) with target high schools of Kealakehe High School and Konawaena High School

While specific goals and details of each grant varies slightly, all grants include components of the following program objectives:

* Academic Performance based on Grade Point Average
* Academic Performance on Standardized Test
* Secondary School Retention and Graduation
* Secondary School Graduation (rigorous secondary school program of study)
* Postsecondary Enrollment
* Postsecondary Completion

“The project goals focus on key elements of student success, first with completion at the high school level then with preparation for a smooth transition to college,” explained Principal Investigator Farrah-Marie Gomes. “The types of services and support provided by the Upward Bound programs demonstrate UH Hilo’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion as we work to ensure that all students have the ability to access higher education opportunities.

“I am especially grateful to Interim Upward Bound Director Shayna Fuerte, Associate Director Claire Uyetake, Assistant Director Sarah Lips, and the entire Upward Bound team who co-authored the grant proposals,” she added. “Collectively, these grants provide us the opportunity to support first-generation students and students who come from low-income families around Hawai‘i Island as they explore and prepare for college.”