Apply to be in the TRIO Upward Bound Program
TRIO Upward Bound (TRIO UB) is an academic and college preparatory program funded by the US Department of Education. The purpose of TRIO UB is to develop the skills and motivation necessary for students to successfully complete high school and to enter and succeed in college. While there are hundreds of TRIO Upward Bound programs across the nation, this specific program is housed at University of Minnesota’s College of Education and Human Development (CEHD). We are currently funded to serve 118 Minneapolis 9-12th graders from Edison Sr. High School, North Senior Academy, Patrick Henry High School, and South High School. TRIO UB at the University of Minnesota has served Minneapolis high school youth and families since 1966.
TRIO UB provides intensive, year-round academic services and enrichment activities to prepare students holistically for success in college. View our Upward Bound brochure to learn more.
Apply to Upward Bound
Applications are being accepted for the 2023-2024 school year! Our priority application deadline is October 26th. Decisions are made in December, and new Upward Bound students begin the program in January. All three forms (Student application, Parent Application, and two Teacher's recommendation forms) must be submitted in order to be considered a complete application. For the teacher's recommendation form, you can simply forward the link to a teacher either in English, Science or Math and have them submit the form. We require two teacher's recommendations, so you can send the link to two different teachers.
TRIO Upward Bound Eligibility
The criteria to be a part of TRIO Upward Bound are:
- Be in the 9th or 10th grade and attend Minneapolis North, Patrick Henry, South or Edison High School.
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States
- Have a current grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or above
- Be a potential first-generation college student (parents have not earned a four year college degree) and be from an income-eligible family
TRIO UB Experiences
Having previously been an advisor in TRIO UB, I have seen alumni from the program get accepted to their dream schools, awarded scholarships and eventually land a position in their ideal career field. What is so magic about TRIO UB is that you are surrounded by peers that are just as hungry and determined to succeed as you are. Plus the advisors, teachers and staff are just as invested in your journey as you are – they will go to bat for you!
Lisa Dornacker
CCC Coordinator, Patrick Henry High School
Everyone could use a little help on their way to college. There are so many things to know, prepare for and do—it can be overwhelming, but well worth it. TRIO is like a personal tour guide on the path to college—the TRIO staff will make sure you have access to all their insider tips to make your college dream come true. You can do this. TRIO can help.
Eryn Warne
Principal, Edison High School
Service Options
Academic year - October to May
- Weekly after school services
- Free tutoring (Monday-Thursday)
- Financial aid and literacy workshops
- College visits and field trips
- Leadership development opportunities
- Educational workshops for parents/families
- Scholarship opportunities
- ACT preparation
Summer - June to August
- 5 weeks of academic classes Monday-Friday
- 3 weeks of living in dorms at University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
- Experiential and cultural activities
- Community service opportunities
- 3-day regional college tour
- 5-day wilderness retreat
After school services
Our academic year services are designed to make sure students are thriving in high school and building skills, knowledge and the self-discipline it takes to be a successful college student. Students come to the University of Minnesota weekly during the school year.
Classes & Tutoring
Each student attends a weekly 90 minute supplemental class. Subjects are based on grade. Free tutoring services are offered weekly Monday-Thursday 4:00pm to 5:30pm at the University of Minnesota. Tutoring is required for students who are struggling with classes in high school. All students can also come in for help on an as needed basis. All tutors are current University of Minnesota students.
TRIO UB Experiences
As a first generation student myself, I remember feeling overwhelmed by school and feeling isolated trying to navigate it, especially when I left high school and went to college. My family didn't know how to help me navigate college and there were so many resources that I never tapped into because no one told me about them! It is important to know that you aren't alone in your journey through school and that there are so many resources available to you each step of the way. Trio UB is one of those resources and can be a huge support system to you as you discover your potential and chase your dreams through school. Reach out to them, advocate for yourself, meet other students! Do it!
Courtney Antone
English Teacher, South High School
Main Contact
TRIO Upward Bound staff
TRIO Upward Bound
56 East River Road
Education Sciences Bldg, Suite 40
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Phone: 612-625-3021
Fax: 612-625-0704
Email: ubtrio@umn.edu
Recruitment Contact
For students from Edison and Patrick Henry:
TBD
College Access Advisor & Residential Coordinator
612-625-3099
For Students from South & North High:
Sam Parker
College Access Advisor & Project Coordinator
612-625-6626
parke896@umn.edu
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