TRIO Upward Bound

What Is the TRIO Upward Bound Program?

The Front Range Community College TRIO Upward Bound (UB) Program is a supportive learning community to empower Westminster High School students and their families with navigating college and career pathways. TRIO UB is sponsored by the US Department of Education and serves sixty students annually. Participants are expected to engage with program staff and activities throughout the academic year and summer. Active participants in good standing are eligible to receive an annual stipend for investing in their personal and professional growth.

The Benefits of TRIO UB

  • Academic support and individualized coaching with college counselors, instructors, and mentors
  • Supplemental academic, cultural, enrichment & college readiness experiences
  • Earn a stipend for investing in your personal and professional growth 
  • Exposure to college and career pathways and programs
  • College campus and career industry tours 
  • Expanded financial decision-making skills 
  • Build and expand social networks

What to Expect From TRIO UB

During the academic school year

  • TRiO Café
    An open-style virtual space to engage in group dialogue, coaching, and support with academics, employment, scholarships, life, etc. Invest at least once a week when school in session
  • Wolfpack Wednesdays
    An optional community session during WPS Academic Enrichment Class. Participate as often as possible or necessary.
  • PEEPS - Participants Emotionally Engaging with Peer Support
    Our optional engagement opportunity to meet peers, make connections and receive support. Join as often as possible.
  • Individualized Coaching
    Personal advising and support with academic and career planning. Schedule individual appointment at least once a semester, ideally monthly, as often as necessary.
  • Personal and Leadership Development Opportunities 
    Gain access to specialized curriculum, resources, and field trips. Invest in personalized opportunities as often as possible.
  • Stipend and Work-Study Opportunities 
    Engage collaboratively with staff to earn while you learn with the possibility of co-creating summer leadership and work-study role during summer prior to and after senior year. Be an active and engaged participant in good standing with the program to be eligible for annual stipend.

Summer activities

Summer Academy
Orientation: May 18, 2023
Academy: 9 am - 3 pm from May 30 - July 7, 2023
Email us for more information

Summer Bridge
Individualized support for outgoing seniors including paid tuition for a college course in the summer semester.
Email us for more information

How to Apply

 Who can apply

Participants must meet all of the following:

  • Attend Westminster High School
  • Be a U.S. Citizen, Permanent Resident or have the intent to become a Permanent Resident
  • Demonstrate need with potential for success
  • Show commitment to program services

AND must meet at least one of the following:

  • Be first-generation college bound (neither natural nor adoptive parent(s)/guardian(s) earned a four-year college degree)
  • Meet income eligibility requirements as determined by federal guidelines (to be determined by staff

Step 1: Learn about the program (choose at least one)

Stop by the library in D101A during open office hours to chat with a TRIO staff member: Mon - Thurs during lunches and from, 3:45 - 5 pm.

Setup an appointment with the Enrollment Coordinator
303-404-5015  |  Kayla.Prieto@frontrange.edu

Step 2: Submit application

Applicants will be considered on a first-to-apply, first-to-be-interviewed basis. The application will remain open, and some may be put on a waiting list if spaces are unavailable.

Submit Application

Step 3: Complete Interview

Applicants who meet minimum qualifications will complete an online interview with TRIO UB Director and/or Academic Counselor to determine eligibility and good fit for the program. Participant will be required to submit current transcripts during the interview and may be asked to complete recommendation form from assigned WHS counselor or other WHS teachers as needed to determine need for program services.

Step 4: Once selected, commit to program services

Accepted applicants must regularly participate in program activities to demonstrate commitment within 60 days during the academic year or 10 days during the summer before active participant status is granted. Once admitted and active, participants can receive services throughout high school and through the summer upon graduating from high school.

Step 5: Become an active and engaged participant

Active participants are eligible for individual coaching sessions, specialized curriculum, annual stipends, additional resources, and leadership opportunities. Participants who demonstrate leadership are eligible for work-study roles during the summer prior to and after senior year. Participants must attend at least one offering a week during the school year and are highly encouraged to participate in summer programming. Mentorship and network connections will remain throughout college until completion of an associate's or bachelor's degree so long-term engagement with TRIO UB Program is essential to meet program objectives.

Participant Forms

Weekly Activity Schedule

Mondays

By Appointment Only 

Tuesdays

Time Activity
11:28 am - 12:06 pm A Lunch Office Hours
12:18 pm - 12:56 pm B Lunch Office Hours
3:45 pm -  4:45 pm TRIO Cafe

Wednesdays

Time Activity
11:30 am - 12: 15 pm AE
12:15 pm - 12:53 pm B Lunch Office Hours
9:30 am - 3:00 pm Wolf Pack Wednesday
 10/5/22 University of Colorado, Colorado Springs

Thursdays

Time Activity
11:28 am- 12:06 pm  A Lunch Office Hours 
12:18 pm - 12:56 pm  B Lunch Office Hours
 3:45 pm - 4:45 pm TRIO Cafe

Fridays

Time Activity
11:30 am - 12:15 pm AE
12:15 pm - 12:53 pm B Lunch Office Hours

*Please contact us for any other individual advising outside these hours 

Apply Today

Questions?

Feel free to reach out to our team.

New applicant inquiries

Email

 

General Inquiries

Vanessa Mendez
Program Director

303-404-5561Email

 

Current participant & family inquiries

303-404-5015 | Email

View All TRIO UB Staff