The oldest of the Federal TRIO programs, the Educational Talent Search Project, which began at Saint Augustine's College in 1970, is designed to serve qualified individuals who have the potential for education at the post-secondary level, including secondary and post-secondary dropouts in a target area consisting of ten rural counties in northeastern North Carolina. The target area demographics and statistical information indicates that the geographical area is probably one the most deprived areas in North Carolina. The Project identifies up to 1,150 students from low-income and first-generation backgrounds who, with the appropriate counseling, knowledge, and motivation would be more successful in completing middle or junior high school, completing secondary school, and entering post-secondary education programs.
The Project focuses its activities and services on individuals in grades six through twelve and conducts early initiative strategies for 250 middle and junior high students. Through a screening and selection process, eligible participants will be enrolled in the project and provided services determined by each participant's demonstrated needs. The staff will emphasize special activities and delivery of services related to selection of secondary school curriculum, career orientation experiences, counseling, tutorial services, and cultural/educational experiences.
Another Federal TRIO program, Upward Bound, was inititated by the College in 1987 and is available to 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th graders. The project serves 80 high school students from Nash, Edgecombe, and southeastern Halifax counties.
The purpose of the Upward Bound Program is to prepare students for success in education beyond high school. Students who meet specific family income levels and are potential first-generation college students are given an opportunity to experience "college life." Operating on a year round basis, the academic component consist of two Saturday sessions per month in which six academic classes (Math, Science, English Reading, Spanish and Computer Skills) are offered. A six-week residential session serves as the summer component. Students reside on the campus of Saint Augustine's College in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Established by Congress in 1965, Upward Bound and related programs such as Educational Talent Search and Academic Achievers Program are committed to helping low-income Americans enter college, graduate, and move on to participate more fully in America's economic and social life. The programs are funded under Title IV of the Higher Education Act and are referred to as the TRIO Programs. The third program of the Federal TRIO Programs is the Academic Achievers Program.
Antonio Stephens
Director, Upward Bound Program
(252) 446-1921 ext. 28
