Upward Bound Gets $1.5 Million Grant from Education Department

The U.S. Department of Education recently awarded the Upward Bound summer program at Kentucky State University a $1.5 million five-year grant.

Upward Bound Director T'Ebony Torain was thrilled to share this news and even more excited about opportunities it will give local students.

"Upward Bound helps students prepare for college that are first generation students, come from low income background, and/or are deemed at-risk," Torain shared adding that she has witnessed many participants continue their education after high school. "This funding will allow us to continue to provide college readiness activities to youth in the Franklin County area who may not have had the opportunity without programs such as Upward Bound."

Students from Western Hills, Franklin County, and Frankfort High schools benefit from the program at Kentucky State.

According to the U.S. Department of Education website, Upward Bound provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college entrance. The program provides opportunities for participants 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 goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. For more information about the Upward Bound program at Kentucky State, call 502-597-5525.