Grant Targets First-Generation College Students to Progress through the Academic Pipeline to Postbaccalaureate Programs
Hampton, Va. (August 1, 2023) – The U.S. Department of Education announced that the Hampton University Upward Bound Program has been awarded $1,487,995 from 2022 to 2027 to plan, develop and carry out community-based services for students in overcoming economic obstacles.
The program has completed the first year of another five-year grant cycle and held a graduation ceremony to celebrate the academic achievements, college acceptances, and scholarship awards of 17 program participants of An Achievable Dream, Denbigh, Heritage, Warwick and Phoebus High Schools.
“The goal is to increase the number of students who enroll in and graduate from college,” said Dr. Barbara Inman, vice president for administrative services. “This program is in concert with the new strategic plan to increase community outreach and engagement.” It provides opportunities for participants to succeed in their precollege performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits.
Since 2017 Hampton University Upward Bound has served over 200 Scholars with a 99% high school graduation rate where over 70% of graduates have enrolled in post-secondary educational institutions. “These results have implications for significant increases in lifetime earnings which affect community and economic development in the Hampton Roads area,” said Dean of Student Achievement, Mr. Mikael Davis.
Upward Bound participants excelled despite challenges presented because of the Covid crisis. “We have worked to draw out their unique talents as we share Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams’ belief that, ‘. . . people do best in organizations where they feel valued, where they feel empowered, and where they feel that what they do makes a difference,’”said Upward Bound Director, Dr. Gregg Suzanne Ferguson.
During the summer, the program operates a six-week Summer Academy on the university campus. For more information, about the Upward Bound program at Hampton University, visit: Upward Bound — Home – HU Office of Student Affairs (hamptonu.edu)
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