“TRIO-Upward Bound was the first place that made me believe college was truly possible for me. It gave me the support, encouragement, and direction I needed to start strong. The staff and mentors pushed me to work hard, dream bigger, and see my potential in a whole new way. After high school, I attended North Central Missouri College where I focused on my studies and graduated with honors in just one year. The habits and discipline I learned through Upward Bound carried over into everything I did. From there, I transferred to the University of Missouri, where I’ve continued to grow both academically and personally. One of the biggest blessings of my time at Mizzou has been being part of the Christian Campus House. CCH has truly become my home away from home. It’s where I’ve deepened my faith, built lifelong friendships, and learned what it means to live with purpose. The community there has encouraged me to keep growing, serve others, and stay grounded in what matters most. Looking back, every step from Upward Bound to graduating with honors at NCMC to finding my place at Mizzou, has shaped who I am today. I’m beyond grateful to share that I’ve been accepted into the University of Missouri’s Occupational Therapy Doctorate Program, Class of 2029. I wouldn’t be where I am without the foundation that Upward Bound helped me build and the people who have supported me along the way.”
“Upward Bound has been one of the best things to happen to me and I would not be where I am today. It helped me to succeed in high school and prepare myself for college. The program itself prepared me for future classes, paid for expensive college entrance tests, and taught me skills that I have continued to use to this day. Upward Bound also allowed me the experience to meet other people and see new things; which I wouldn’t have otherwise. I was able to visit places around the country like Chicago, IL and Duluth, MN- I wouldn’t have imagined visiting these places at all without Upward Bound. I am currently an undergraduate at the Missouri University of Science and Technology studying computer engineering and computer science”.
“I joined Upward Bound (UB) my freshman year of high school and received incredible support in preparing for college. UB gave me guidance in every step of the process, from applications to scholarships, and helped me build the confidence I needed to transition successfully into higher education. My favorite part of UB was traveling to different states and visiting a variety of colleges, which opened my eyes to new opportunities and experiences. Throughout my four years in the program, I always felt supported and encouraged, and I’m grateful for how it helped shape both my academic journey and personal growth. I am in my senior year at the University of Missouri, studying business administration with an emphasis in marketing. I am also obtaining minors in film studies and leadership. I’ve had so many incredible experiences that have shaped who I am and what I want to do after graduation. One of the most meaningful was studying abroad in Frankfurt, Germany, and Amsterdam, The Netherlands, through a two-week program focused on European business strategy. During the trip, I visited international companies, explored new cultures, and gained a firsthand understanding of global marketing and communication. It was an experience I never would have had without college, and it reminded me how much growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone.”