May 21, 2019

Northwest to welcome 113 high school students for TRIO programs

Northwest Missouri State University’s TRIO Upward Bound (UB) and Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS) programs will host its six-week residential summer component June 2 through July 12 to help students enhance their knowledge, develop imaginations, explore ideas and strengthen their desires to become servant leaders.

The life-enhancing college-prep program helps students explore math, science and technology topics while exposing them to a university campus, helping them develop leadership and social skills, and reducing anxieties about college. Students live in a campus residence hall while receiving instruction from skilled University and high school faculty. 

“Through comprehensive programs, academic, cultural and diverse opportunities, Northwest TRIO Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math and Science are vehicles for creating a climate of inclusive, supporting, engaging and transformative learning to facilitate inspiring academic achievement and personal development,” Cassie Tavorn, Northwest’s TRIO director, said.

The UB program will host 69 high school students from King City, Maryville, Nodaway-Holt, Rock Port, Stanberry, Tarkio and West Nodaway. Students in the program receive instruction in math, laboratory science, composition, literature and foreign languages as well as assistance with reading, writing, study skills and other areas necessary for success in education beyond high school. A college jump-start package of academic, financial and personal counseling also is provided. This summer’s program culminates with a week-long cultural trip to Memphis, Tennessee, and a STEM merit-trip to Seattle.

UBMS will serve 44 students from 16 schools in southwest Iowa, northeast Kansas and northwest Missouri. That program allows students, who are in grades nine through 11 and interested in STEM-based career fields, the opportunity to learn in a highly intensive science-focused environment. The program consists of a balanced curriculum designed to help students demonstrate competencies in subject areas required for graduation and a pathway to math and science education. This summer’s program culminates with a week-long merit-trip to St. Louis.

The federally funded TRIO education programs were created by the Higher Education Act of 1965; UB began at Northwest in 1986, and Upward Bound Math and Science launched at the University in 1992. Throughout their duration, Northwest TRIO programs have promoted educational opportunities while assisting students in their personal journey of earning a higher education degree. Through partnerships with surrounding communities, TRIO addresses the unique needs of academically capable individuals who are first-generation students and come from families with limited income.

Eligible participants attend the UP and UBMS academic year or summer components at no cost; they receive a weekly stipend during the summer component and a monthly stipend during the academic year while participating in required activities. Last fall, the United States Department of Education awarded Northwest TRIO programs a one-year, $40,000 supplemental STEM grant to increase access to related coursework in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. 

“Northwest TRIO programs provide a transformative learning experience for our students to succeed not only academically but also learn to advance in knowledge and learning at a higher level,” Tavorn said.

For more information about Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math and Science at Northwest, contact Tavorn at 660.562.1862 or ctavorn@nwmissouri.edu, or visit www.nwmissouri.edu/trio/.