Federal TRIO Programs

UBI

 

Upward Bound I Program

(Uprising 9th – 12th Graders)

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 from June 1, 2025 – July 10, 2025.

 

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. The Upward Bound I Program provides services to students from the following high schools: Callaway, Canton, Forest Hill, Holmes County Central, Jim Hill, Lanier, Murrah, and Provine High Schools.

For more information contact:

Meagan Bilbro, Assistant Director

(601)977-7702

mbilbro@tougaloo.edu

To apply for the Upward Bound I Program:

CLICK HERE

 

UBII

 

Upward Bound II Program

(Uprising 9th – 12th Graders)

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 from June 1, 2025 – July 10, 2025.

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. The Upward Bound I Program provides services to students from the following high schools: O’Bannon, Simmons, South Delta, and Yazoo City High Schools.

For more information contact:

Shanetta Akins, Assistant Director

601-977-7748

sakins@tougaloo.edu

To apply for the Upward Bound II Program:

CLICK HERE

 

UBMS

 

Upward Bound

Math & Science Program

(Uprising 9th – 12th Graders)

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 from June 1, 2025 – July 10, 2025.

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. Students are selected from the following target high schools and must meet the eligibility requirements: Callaway, Canton, Lanier, Provine, O’Bannon, Simmons, South Delta, and Yazoo City High Schools.

For more information contact:

Alexia Steptoe, Assistant Director

601-977-7849

asteptoe@tougaloo.edu.

To apply for the Upward Bound Math and Science Program:

CLICK HERE

 

STEM CAMP

 

Educational Talent Search Program

(STEM Camp)

The Educational Talent Search Program is accepting applications for the 2025 STEM Camp, June 2, 2025 – July 7, 2025.

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-edges 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. We are not just preparing students for the next step – we are preparing them to shape industries, transform communities, and define the future.

The STEM Camp target population in middle school participates for Blackburn, Nichols, and Northwest Jackson.

For more information contact:

Dr. Edna Drakes-Washington, Assistant Director

(601)977-7863

edrakes-washington@tougaloo.edu

 

To apply for the Educational Talent Search Program:

CLICK HERE

 

 

To apply for the Educational Talent Search Program STEM Camp :

CLICK HERE

 

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 form industry professionals, exposure to top-tier universities, students leave the ELITE Scholar Summit with a blueprint for success. Whether they aspire to attend a prestigious university, secure internships, or launch their own ventures, this program provides them with the tools and strategies to turn ambition into achievement.

Summit 1

 

 

 

Summit I

 

 

Summit I:

June 9, 2025 – June 20, 2025

Jim Hill, Murrah, and Forest Hill High Schools

 

To apply for the ELITE Scholar Summit I:

 

Summit II:

June 23, 2025 – July 7, 2025

Holmes County Central and Leake County High Schools

 

To apply for the ELITE Scholar Summit II:


Educational Opportunity Center Program

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, Educational Opportunity Center

(601)977-4475

alucas@tougaloo.edu

To apply for the Educational Opportunity Center:

CLICK HERE

 


Contact Information

Federal TRIO Programs’ Staff


Dr. Valvia M. Wilson

Director

 

Janelle Graham

Accountant

 

Endia Banks

Academic Specialist

 

Meagan Bilbro

Assistant Director

Upward Bound I Program

 

Shoneen Smith

Program Assistant

Upward Bound I Program

 

Shanetta Akins

Assistant Director

Upward Bound II Program

 

Alexia Steptoe

Assistant Director

UBMS Program

 

Dr. Amanda Lucas

Assistant Director

EOC Program

 

Virginia R. Haymer

Educational Advisor

EOC Program

 

Dr. Edna Drakes-Washington

Assistant Director

ETS Program

 

Kristy Johnson-Arrington

Senior Counselor

ETS Program

 

Tia Coleman

Senior Counselor

ETS Program

 

Thuy-Anh Smith

Program Assistant

ETS Program

 

 

Mailing Address:

Tougaloo College

Federal TRIO Programs

500 West County Line Road

BOX #956

Tougaloo, MS 39174