Lake Michigan College awarded grant to help low-income, first-generation college students

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. -- The U.S. Department of Education has awarded Lake Michigan College a five-year federal Upward Bound grant totaling $1.9 million.

Upward Bound, a federal TRIO program, is an intensive intervention program that prepares students for higher education through various enrichment courses in subjects such as literature, composition, mathematics, science, and foreign languages. 

The program also helps with mentoring and support for students preparing for college entrance exams and tackling admission applications, financial aid, and scholarship forms. 

At least two-thirds of the students in Upward Bound programs are from low-income economic backgrounds and families in which neither parent has a bachelor’s degree.

The $386,442 that LMC will receive annually for the next five years will have a great impact on the program and the community.

“The Upward Bound program is critical to our community and students looking for support in their pursuit of a college degree,” said Adrienne Hill, director of TRIO Upward Bound Program at Lake Michigan College.  “We are thrilled that this program will continue to receive the funding needed to serve and support Benton Harbor High School students and their families as they navigate high school and prepare for post-secondary education.”

Lake Michigan College’s Upward Bound program has helped students attending Benton Harbor High School for 27 years, and according to Vice President of Student Affairs Nygil Likely, this grant will keep that streak going.

“Every year, we see the life-changing impact the Upward Bound program has on the lives of students in the community,” said Likely.  “These are students with all the potential to succeed who may have not had the resources or opportunities to prepare for college.  With this grant, the Upward Bound program at LMC can continue to close that gap, so these students can step onto any college campus and thrive.”