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, 2026 – July 9, 2026

Upward Bound Flyer 2026

The Upward Bound I Program is accepting applications for the 2026 Summer Residential Camp. During this phase, students will reside on the campus of Tougaloo College from June 1 – July 9, 2026.

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, 2026 – July 9, 2026
Upward Bound II 2026

 

The Upward Bound II Program is accepting applications for the 2026 Summer Residential Camp. During this phase, students will reside on the campus of Tougaloo College from June 1 – July 9, 2026.

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:

Dr. Lorenda R. Cheeks, Assistant Director

Phone: (601) 977-4475

Email: lrcheeks@tougaloo.edu

or

Verleser Williams, Program Assistant

Phone: (601) 977-7878

Email: vwilliams1@tougaloo.edu

Apply Now

Upward Bound Math & Science Program

Uprising 9th – 12th Graders

June 1, 2026 – July 9, 2026
Math and Science

The Upward Bound Math & Science Program is accepting applications for the 2026 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:

Kristen Barnes, Assistant Director

Phone: (601) 977-7849

Email: kbarnes6@tougaloo.edu

or

Verleser Williams, Program Assistant

Phone: (601) 977-7878

Email: vwilliams1@tougaloo.edu

Apply Now

Educational Talent Search Program

STEM Camp

June 1, 2026 – July 2, 2026
Stem Camp 2026The Educational Talent Search Program is accepting applications for the 2026 STEM Camp, June 1 – July 2, 2026. 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.

Target Population:

Middle school students from Blackburn, Nichols, and Northwest Jackson

For more information contact:

Edna Drakes-Washington, Assistant Director

Phone: (601) 977-7863

Email: edrakes-washington@tougaloo.edu

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. Donna Barnes, Assistant Director

Phone: (601) 977-4476

Email: dbarnes2@tougaloo.edu

or

Virginia Haymer, Educational Advisor

 

Phone: (601) 977-4477

Email: vhaymer@tougaloo.edu

Apply Now

Contact Information

Federal TRIO Programs' Staff

Dr. Valvia M. Wilson

Dr. Valvia M. Wilson

Executive Director

Janelle Graham

Janelle Graham

Accountant

Endia Banks

Endia Banks

Academic Specialist

Meagan Bilbro

Meagan Bilbro

Assistant Director

 

Upward Bound I Program

Shoneen Smith

Charlotte Johnson-Hunter

Senior Counselor

  

Upward Bound I Program

Shoneen Smith

Shoneen Smith

Program Assistant

 

Upward Bound I Program

Shanetta Akins

Dr. Lorenda R. Cheeks

Assistant Director

 

Upward Bound II Program

Verleser Williams

Verleser Williams

Program Assistant

UB II/UBMS

Alexia Steptoe

Kristen Barnes

Assistant Director

 

UBMS Program

Virginia R. Haymer

Virginia R. Haymer

Educational Advisor

 

EOC Program

Dr. Edna Drakes-Washington

Edna Drakes-Washington

Assistant Director

 

ETS Program

Kristy Johnson-Arrington

Kristy Johnson-Arrington

Senior Counselor

 

ETS Program

Tia Coleman

Dr. Donna Barnes

Assistant Directorr

 

EOC Program

Thuy-Anh Smith

Thuy-Anh Smith

Program Assistant

 

ETS Program

Visit TRIO

Federal TRIO Programs provide academic support and college access services to first-generation and income-eligible students. Reach our main office using the details to the right.

Federal TRIO Programs Office

Tougaloo College
Federal TRIO Programs
500 West County Line Road
BOX #956
Tougaloo, MS 39174