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Federal TRIO Programs

 

Federal TRIO Programs

Empowering Educational Excellence

Tougaloo College's federally funded TRIO programs expand access and completion for first-generation, income-eligible, and underrepresented learners—from middle school to adult re-entry. We provide comprehensive support so students don't just enter college—they thrive through graduation and beyond.

Academic Coaching & Tutoring

ACT/SAT Prep & Admissions

Financial Aid & FAFSA Support

STEM Camps & Research

College Visits & Career Exploration

Adult Re-entry Advising (EOC)

Our programs include Upward Bound I & II, Upward Bound Math & Science, Educational Talent Search (STEM Camp & ELITE Scholar Summit), and the Educational Opportunity Center — serving students from middle school through adult learners.

Upward Bound I Program

Uprising 9th – 12th Graders

June 1, 2025 – July 10, 2025
Upward Bound I

The Upward Bound I Program is accepting applications for the 2025 Summer Residential Camp. During this phase, students will reside on the campus of Tougaloo College.

Activities Include:

  • Academic classes
  • Tutoring
  • Counseling and cultural enrichment activities
  • College tours
  • Workshops

Students must have an academic need, fall within the economic or first-generation guidelines set forth by the U.S. Department of Education, and meet other specific program requirements.

Schools Served:

Callaway, Canton, Forest Hill, Holmes County Central, Jim Hill, Lanier, Murrah, and Provine High Schools

For more information contact:

Meagan Bilbro, Assistant Director

Phone: (601) 977-7702

Email: mbilbro@tougaloo.edu

Apply Now

Upward Bound II Program

Uprising 9th – 12th Graders

June 1, 2025 – July 10, 2025
Upward Bound II

The Upward Bound II Program is accepting applications for the 2025 Summer Residential Camp. During this phase, students will reside on the campus of Tougaloo College.

Activities Include:

  • Academic classes
  • Tutoring
  • Counseling and cultural enrichment activities
  • College tours
  • Workshops

Students must have an academic need, fall within the economic or first-generation guidelines set forth by the U.S. Department of Education, and meet other specific program requirements.

Schools Served:

O'Bannon, Simmons, South Delta, and Yazoo City High Schools

For more information contact:

Shanetta Akins, Assistant Director

Phone: (601) 977-7748

Email: sakins@tougaloo.edu

Apply Now

Upward Bound Math & Science Program

Uprising 9th – 12th Graders

June 1, 2025 – July 10, 2025
Upward Bound Math & Science

The Upward Bound Math & Science Program is accepting applications for the 2025 Summer Residential Camp. During this phase, students will reside on the campus of Tougaloo College.

Activities Include:

  • Academic classes
  • Tutoring
  • Counseling and cultural enrichment activities
  • College tours
  • Workshops

Students will engage in extensive research during the camp. The Upward Bound Math & Science Program is a federally funded pre-collegiate enrichment program designed to generate skills and motivation in the math and science areas for success in education beyond high school. The program concentrates on high school students who have an academic need, fall either within the economic or first-generation guidelines set forth by the U.S. Department of Education, have a desire to attend a post-secondary institution and would like to major in a math and/or science related discipline.

Schools Served:

Callaway, Canton, Lanier, Provine, O'Bannon, Simmons, South Delta, and Yazoo City High Schools

For more information contact:

Alexia Steptoe, Assistant Director

Phone: (601) 977-7849

Email: asteptoe@tougaloo.edu

Apply Now

Educational Talent Search Program

STEM Camp

June 2, 2025 – July 7, 2025
STEM Camp

The Educational Talent Search Program STEM Camp's mission is to identify and support students with academic potential, exposing them to limitless possibilities through college preparation, career exploration, and cutting-edge STEM immersion.

Our STEM Summer Camp is more than a program – It is a launchpad. We introduce students to next generation technology, hands-on experiments, and real-world problem solving, equipping them with the skills to compete, create, and lead in a rapidly evolving digital world.

From coding to robotics to artificial intelligence and engineering challenges, we place students at the forefront of innovation, fostering a mindset of exploration, resilience, and achievement. This initiative is not just about learning – it is about impact. By bridging the opportunity gap, we empower our students to see beyond their circumstances and step boldly into futures filled with college degrees, technology careers, and entrepreneurial success.

Target Population:

Middle school students from Blackburn, Nichols, and Northwest Jackson

For more information contact:

Dr. Edna Drakes-Washington, Assistant Director

Phone: (601) 977-7863

Email: edrakes-washington@tougaloo.edu

Educational Talent Search Program

ELITE Scholar Summit

The Educational Talent Search Program is accepting applications for the 2025 ELITE Scholar Summit. The ELITE Scholar Summit is designed for students who are ready to go beyond the basics and step into a world of academic and leadership excellence. This intensive camp focuses on college readiness, leadership development, financial literacy, and career planning. We challenge students to think critically, develop strong communication skills, and gain the confidence to excel in competitive academic and professional environments. Through engaging workshops, mentorship from industry professionals, exposure to top-tier universities, students leave the ELITE Scholar Summit with a blueprint for success.

Summit 1
 

Summit I

June 9, 2025 – June 20, 2025

Jim Hill, Murrah, and Forest Hill High Schools

Apply for Summit I
Summit 2
 

Summit II

June 23, 2025 – July 7, 2025

Holmes County Central and Leake County High Schools

Apply for Summit II

Educational Opportunity Center Program

Adult Education & Career Opportunities

The Educational Opportunity Center is a program designed to assist adults with information about educational and career opportunities in Hinds, Claiborne, Holmes, Warren, and Yazoo counties.

The Educational Opportunity Center helps qualified adults who desire to enter or continue a program of postsecondary education by providing information on admission requirements and available financial aid. In conjunction with schools, agencies, and organizations in the target areas, this program develops, publicizes, and implements strategies that are designed to increase the probability of dropouts being re-admitted to postsecondary schools.

For more information contact:

Dr. Amanda Lucas, Assistant Director

Phone: (601) 977-4475

Email: alucas@tougaloo.edu

Apply Now

Contact Information

Federal TRIO Programs' Staff

Dr. Valvia M. Wilson

Dr. Valvia M. Wilson

Director

Janelle Graham

Janelle Graham

Accountant

Endia Banks

Endia Banks

Academic Specialist

Meagan Bilbro

Meagan Bilbro

Assistant Director

 

Upward Bound I Program

Shoneen Smith

Shoneen Smith

Program Assistant

 

Upward Bound I Program

Shanetta Akins

Shanetta Akins

Assistant Director

 

Upward Bound II Program

Alexia Steptoe

Alexia Steptoe

Assistant Director

 

UBMS Program

Virginia R. Haymer

Virginia R. Haymer

Educational Advisor

 

EOC Program

Dr. Edna Drakes-Washington

Dr. Edna Drakes-Washington

Assistant Director

 

ETS Program

Kristy Johnson-Arrington

Kristy Johnson-Arrington

Senior Counselor

 

ETS Program

Tia Coleman

Tia Coleman

Senior Counselor

 

ETS Program

Thuy-Anh Smith

Thuy-Anh Smith

Program Assistant

 

ETS Program

Mailing Address

Tougaloo College

Federal TRIO Programs

500 West County Line Road

BOX #956

Tougaloo, MS 39174