TRIO PROGRAMS SUPPORT MIDDLE SCHOOL AND COLLEGE STUDENTS

By Maajiitaaziibiikwe, Mary Sam

Mille Lacs Band members benefit from Upward Bound programs

Federal TRIO Programs are outreach and student services programs designed to identify and provide services to first-generation, low-income, and/or students with disability to move from middle school to post-baccalaureate college programs. TRIO has a long and impacting legacy here in Minnesota. On a national level, according to the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE):

•There are more than 6 million TRIO Program alumni, dating back to the 1960s.

•Upward Bound students are more than twice as likely to earn a bachelor’s degree by age 24 than students in the lowest income quartile.

•Student Support Services participants are 47% more likely to complete a two-year degree or transfer, and 18% more likely to complete a bachelor’s degree than similar nonparticipants.

Several colleges and universities in Minnesota host TRIO programming. Central Lakes College (CLC) in Brainerd offers TRIO Student Support Services and Upward Bound programs. Student Support Services (SSS) is geared to provide direct support for college students to complete their Associate Degree and assists students in a successful transfer pathway to a four-year college or university. Since 2001, CLC TRIO SSS has worked with nearly 4,500 students from the region. Since 2003, CLC’s Upward Bound staff have worked in Nay Ah Shing, Isle, Onamia, and Pierz School Districts to equip them to graduate from high school, enroll in a college or university, and complete their college degree, serving over 1,200 students. CLC now serves sixty Brainerd School District students per year.

Mille Lacs area students are thriving through the CLC Upward Bound Program. Upward Bound has made a positive impact on the lives of so many students by working to transform high school students into successful college graduates. What sets Upward Bound apart from other programs is that it helps students overcome class, social, and cultural barriers to higher education. The program provides educational services to students who are from families who meet federal income guidelines, who potentially would be the first generation to graduate from college, and who may have a disability. Upward Bound provides extensive, year-round services and activities to prepare students in a holistic manner for college success. During the school year, services include tutoring, workshops, Saturday programs, in-school advocacy, college tours, and collaboration with the local high school to assist with high school success. Over the summer, students participate in a 4-6 week camp with an opportunity to live on campus, participate in leadership and cultural capital skill-building activities, non-credit creative instruction, and the ability to earn a college credit during camp.

Provided continued federal funding, Central Lakes College is exploring the expansion of its Upward Bound to a broader service area across the Mille Lacs Reservation. Hinckley is currently not provided with Upward Bound. If Minisinaakwaang students are interested in Upward Bound, they should contact Itasca Community College in Grand Rapids. The University of Minnesota serves a handful of high school students from the Minneapolis area.

Two students who have excelled in the TRIO Upward Bound model include Naomi and Diamond.

Naomi (Weyaus) Christiansen graduated from Onamia, then obtained her Bachelor’s Degree from Marquette University and her Master’s Degree in English Studies from St. Cloud State University. Naomi has been working in the Grants Department for the Mille Lacs Band. Naomi is grateful for the support she received from the Upward Bound program. “People often asked me how I ‘got out,’” she said. “On the surface, they are asking how I became successful in the face of adversity... I can never find an answer that truly satisfies them; however, I do know that Upward Bound was instrumental in shaping the person I have become. I think putting Upward Bound into a strictly academic category would in no way capture the impact it had on my life," Naomi said.

"Yes, Upward Bound helped me apply for schools, tour colleges, and guide me through applying for scholarship," she continued. "However, those things, as important and as helpful as they are, were only a small part of what made Upward Bound an auspicious experience. The largest part was the community and support that comes when surrounded by like-minded peers. Peers who, like me, were not rich, whose families were battling the same demons of poverty and addiction as mine were, and who still found it within themselves to move forward with life instead of becoming trapped in the cycles of poverty and addiction that our parents and siblings fell victim to. So when people ask me how I did it, the answer is simple: I had Upward Bound. Because of Upward Bound, I am thriving. I found a support system that continues to encourage and support me today. Having that network has made all the difference.”

Onamia graduate Diamond Wind shared, “Upward Bound helped me prepare for what to expect at college at CLC. Upward Bound can get you ready for what's in store for you when you're at college. If you're still in high school, Upward Bound has a good summer activity and great experiences if the college of your choice has on-campus living or dorms.” Diamond is heading into her second year at CLC, with the goal of being an art teacher.

If you are interested in the Central Lakes College TRIO SSS or Upward Bound Program, please call TRIO Director Charles Black Lance at 218-855-8119. For more information on the Central Lakes College program: https://www.clcmn.edu/trio-upward-bound/free-program-services-eligibility-information/