Trio Upward Bound has offered a college prep experience to Milton High School students for more than three decades.
Math Teacher Mr. Morris Davis is the advisor of Milton’s program. Trio Upward Bound is a government funded organization, and Bloomsburg University uses federal funding to give students from ten area schools a chance to sample the college experience over the summer, he explained.
Trio Upward Bound focuses on academic and personal development strategies that assist students and help them prepare for the transition from high school into college, said Mr. Davis. He added that the program also tracks students’ performance in college to ensure they will get a job.
“Compared to other clubs, it kind of goes under the radar because it is not necessarily a Milton thing,” said Mr. Davis, explaining that it’s Bloomsburg University’s program and Milton hosts it.
According to Mr. Davis, Penn State University also operates Trio Upward Bound, and Lock Haven University operated it in the past. “They kind of just service the area around them, like how Bloomsburg services the area around us,” he added.
Bloomsburg has a competitive Trio Upward Bound program which has been “very successful,” said Mr. Davis.
“Some programs have died away, but we have been lucky enough to maintain our funding and keep the program moving,” added Mr. Davis.
According to Mr. Davis, he became involved in Trio Upward Bound when Mr. John Marshall, a reading specialist, invited him to join the program. He added that he has been a part of the program for more than 15 years.
Over the summer, students have the opportunity to stay at Bloomsburg University for six weeks, heading home on the weekends, said Mr. Davis. During this time, students “simulate” the college experience, learn time management and are provided SAT prep, he added.
“We recommend every student in the program partakes in the six-week summer session at least once,” said Mr. Davis.
According to Mr. Davis, the club goes on college visits and other trips at the end of the year. “It’s all in the intent of trying to give kids the ideas of what coincides with going to college,” he added.
Active participants of the program receive stipends that will go towards their college funds, according to an official trifold from Bloomsburg University. “It’s about $10 per meeting,” said Mr. Davis.
There are currently seven students enrolled in Milton’s program, but they can have up to 15 students, said Mr. Davis.
Sophomore Carlie Dauberman, who is currently enrolled, said that the program has helped her prepare to for college with the stipends she has received. “I save up that money to put towards my college classes. It has helped me to put my plan in stone and figure out how college classes would work,” said Carlie.
“My recommendation to students is that if you are thinking college is something you would like to pursue, then apply. In terms of approval of your application, that depends on Bloomsburg University to decide if the student is eligible,” added Mr. Davis.
According to a brochure from Bloomsburg University, although the program is free, in order for students to be eligible they must meet certain income requirements and be children of parents who have not completed their bachelor’s degrees.
Mr. Davis said that students interested in joining can come to him for information and applications. He added that a QR code that links to the program’s website is available outside of his classroom, as well as additional pamphlets about the program.
