Washburn University Awarded $1.4 Million Federal Grant for Upward Bound College-Preparation Program

The U.S. Department of Education has awarded Washburn University more than $1.4 million for a new TRIO Upward Bound grant. During the next five years, the grant will increase the university’s capacity to help prepare area high school students for college success.

Upward Bound provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. The program provides opportunities for students to succeed in their precollege performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits. Upward Bound serves: high school students from low-income families; and high school students from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor's degree.

The Upward Bound grant is Washburn University’s first TRIO grant and was awarded through a competitive process among institutions with experience helping underrepresented students succeed in college. 

“When I found out I would be the first in my family to attend college, I was excited but I also did not know what to expect,” said Senator Roger Marshall. “The Upward Bound College-Preparation Program assists today’s aspiring students who are in the same situation I was once in. Congratulations to President Farley and everyone at Washburn who worked hard to secure this federal award that will help Topekans succeed during their pursuit of an undergraduate degree.” 

The Federal TRIO Programs are federal outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services for individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. Upward Bound emerged out of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 in response to the War on Poverty and is a Federal TRIO Program funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. 

“The goal of Upward Bound is to empower students by helping them develop their academic skills,” said Jerry Farley, president of Washburn University.  “That fits with the founding principles of Washburn University and we appreciate the support in pursuing those goals.”

Washburn’s Upward Bound program will provide a broad set of services, including tutoring, academic and career advising, mentoring and financial aid assistance.  Washburn will also provide the participating students with a summer bridge program and encourage dual enrollment – where students are enrolled in Washburn classes while still in high school.

“Across the nation, the U.S. Department of Education tells us that 84 percent of Upward Bound students who graduate from high school continue on to enroll in college,” Farley said.  “We fully expect to meet or exceed that standard with Washburn’s program. 

“This Upward Bound grant provides another opportunity for Washburn University and its community partners -- particularly the Topeka Public Schools -- to create educational pathways that transform student lives and provide Topeka with its future leaders,” said Alan Bearman, dean of library services and the project lead.

Topeka High School Principal Rebecca Morrisey echoed the sentiment saying, “we are excited to work with Washburn University to help more Trojans explore and engage the pathway to post-secondary studies.”

During the next five years, this grant will allow Washburn University to serve 60 low-income and first-generation students from Topeka High School and help them enter and succeed in postsecondary education.