
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

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 NowUpward 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.
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 NowUpward 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.
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 NowEducational Talent Search Program
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
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 I
June 9, 2025 – June 20, 2025
Jim Hill, Murrah, and Forest Hill High Schools
Apply for Summit I
Summit II
June 23, 2025 – July 7, 2025
Holmes County Central and Leake County High Schools
Apply for Summit IIEducational 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 NowContact 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

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