Fast Facts – Pre-College Programs
Mission
The mission of the NC State University Upward Bound & Talent Search Programs is to provide quality education by facilitating retention and promotion from high school through post-baccalaureate completion. The TRIO Programs promote life-long learning through a learning community that enables middle and high school students in Franklin, Johnston, Vance and Wake Counties to develop and enhance critical thinking, cultural and social skills necessary for success in postsecondary education and a global society.
History
TRIO Programs are Federal outreach and student services programs designed to serve and assist low-income individuals, first-generation college students, and individuals with disabilities to progress through the academic pipeline from middle school to post baccalaureate degrees. Of these eight programs, NC State University hosts four programs, including the two premier TRIO pre-college programs, Talent Search (1991 and 2021) and Upward Bound (1978 and 2012). Collectively they have served thousands of students providing access to higher education. The Student Support Service program for undergraduate students launched in 2010. The Student Support Services STEM program launched in 2015. The Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program launched in 2017.
People
- 12 professional and support staff
- Numerous instructors, advisors, tutors, bus drivers, and facilitators
Activities
- Academic Skill Development
- College Admissions Assistance
- Test Prep Training (SAT/ACT)
- Monetary Stipends and Subsistence
- Computer-Aided Instruction
- Fee Waivers
- Motivational Workshops
- Cultural and Career Development
- Summer Residential Experience
Participation
- 1,500 students served in 16 middle and high schools in four counties: Franklin, Johnston, Vance, Wake, and Wayne.
- Eighty-two (82%) percent of graduating UB & TS seniors immediately enrolled in college in Fall 2020.
- On average, 56% of Upward Bound & Talent Search graduates complete a bachelor’s degree within six years, which not only rivals most universities’ retention rates, but is well above the state and national average rate of individuals with a bachelor’s degree; 32% and 33% respectively.
