A grant of more than $1.9 million has been awarded to Lake Michigan College by the U.S. Department of Education for LMC’s Upward Bound program. LMC Upward Bound Director Adrienne Hill tells WSJM News the program serves low-income, often first-generation college-bound students as they prepare for and enroll in higher education.
“They are open minded to their future and heir career goals and what they want to pursue when it comes to furthering their education,” Hill said.
Hill says Upward Bound starts working with students when they’re in the eighth grade and holds weekly tutoring sessions focused on life in college.
“We may be talking about selecting a college and what financial aid looks like, the differences between grants and scholarships. We dive into some other areas as well So, we may have a segment on mental health and coping skills and partner with Lakeland or Bronson. Or, we may be doing some volunteer activities.”
The students also spend a week living in a dorm. Hill says Upward Bound prepares the students for college so they succeed when they get there. LMC’s Upward Bound program serves up to 78 students per year and the new federal grant will keep it going another five years.
