Our nation has asserted a commitment to providing educational opportunity for all Americans regardless of race, ethnic background or economic circumstance. In support of this commitment, Congress established a series of programs to help low-income Americans enter college, graduate and move on to participate more fully in America's economic and social life. These Programs are funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 and are referred to as the TRIO Programs (initially just three programs).

While student financial aid programs help students overcome financial barriers to higher education, TRIO programs help students overcome class, social and cultural barriers to higher education. (Excerpt from Council for Opportunity in Education website: www.coenet.org)

Arkansas Tech University is the home of two of these very important programs:

• Upward Bound
• Upward Bound Math and Science

Funded in 2003, the Upward Bound Math and Science Academy serves students from Danville, Dardanelle, Two River, Western Yell County and Wonderview High Schools. The Upward Bound Classic program was funded in September of 2007. This program serves students from Atkins, Dover, Hector, Johnson County Westside and  Lamar High Schools. Arkansas Tech remains committed to providing as many educational opportunities as possible to students in our community.

If you would like more information about Trio, please contact the Upward Bound Office at (479) 964-0888, or visit the Council for Opportunity in Education's website.