MCC Awarded Federal Grant to Support Upward Bound Program

Middlesex Community College partners with local high schools to make a college education more accessible and possible for students. A recent five-year $1.488 million TRiO Upward Bound grant from the U.S. Department of Education will allow Middlesex to continue strengthening the academic skills of eligible Lowell High School (LHS) students.

“The goal of the program is to help students recognize and develop their potential to excel in high school and to encourage them to pursue postsecondary education,” said Dr. Colleen Winn, MCC’s Director of TRiO and Gear Up. “We are thrilled to continue fostering the partnership between Middlesex and Lowell High School, as well as to provide these students with a comprehensive and coordinated array of academic instruction, support and advising services.”

MCC’s Upward Bound program will help 55 eligible LHS students graduate from high school, apply to college, and build upon their knowledge and skills in their next steps. This program is just one of the ways in which Middlesex helps students attend and graduate from college through targeted student support services and programs that meet each individual student where they are.

The most recent batch of funding is in direct response to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Lowell community, including an increase in housing, food and job insecurity. Often, these stressors prevent individuals from being able to successfully complete their education from high school and through college.

Having served LHS students since 2000, MCC’s Upward Bound has reached a three-year 94 percent postsecondary enrollment compared to the national average of 40 percent for students in similar demographics, according to Winn.

Students in the program meet in a cohort at LHS and receive academic instruction and support, counseling, tutoring, access to cultural activities, and exposure to college campuses. Other services include individualized case management, dual enrollment courses, college application advising, workshops on academic skills, test preparation, financial literacy and assistance with applying for financial aid.

Over the summer, students engage in a six-week program with a one-week overnight experience. This opportunity includes helping students who are attending college in the fall prepare to transition into higher education.

“Attending college opens up a variety of exciting and life-changing opportunities and possibilities for students,” Winn said. “MCC’s Upward Bound program ensures that these students can access the resources, support and skills they need to succeed at the next level of education and in life.”