Kish College and DHS launch TRiO Upward Bound program

Kishwaukee College and DeKalb High School formally launched the new TRiO Upward Bound Program on Friday, November 3 at DeKalb High School (DHS). The event included remarks by representatives from both participating educational institutions. Mr. James Horne, Principal of DHS, welcomed attendees who then learned more about the program from Mr. Jamie Craven, Superintendent of Schools for DeKalb CUSD #428; Dr. Laurie Borowicz, President of Kishwaukee College; Tashena Briggs, Director of TRiO Upward Bound at Kishwaukee College; Keith Wise, Director of TRiO Student Support Services at Kishwaukee College and former TRiO Upward Bound participant; Illinois State Representative Bob Pritchard and DeKalb Mayor Jerry Smith.

Dr. Borowicz stated, “The College is proud to partner with DeKalb High School to offer the TRiO Upward Bound program. We look forward to helping support 60 students annually on a path to success while in high school and beyond.”

The event included presentation of the check representing the $1.3 million from the U.S. Department of Education. The TRiO Upward Bound grant will provide funding to assist 60 DHS students to become college-ready each year over the five-year length of the grant.
Activities and services offered to participating DHS students through the Kishwaukee College Upward Bound Program will include academic advising, tutoring, college planning, financial literacy, career planning, cultural enrichment, leadership development, mentoring and wellness services. In addition, there will be academic instruction opportunities in mathematics, laboratory sciences, composition, literature, and foreign languages to
provide a solid academic foundation. There will also be a Summer Component with instruction in the core curriculum.

To be eligible, students must be enrolled in DeKalb High School, be between the ages of 13 and 19, and have a need for academic support in order to pursue a program of postsecondary education. All students must meet financial eligibility guidelines, be first-generation college students or students who are at high risk for academic failure.

Tashena Briggs noted, “I am thrilled to have this partnership with DHS to serve 60 of their students. Getting high school students college ready is extremely important and the Upward Bound Staff is excited to start the recruiting process!” For more information on the TRiO Upward Bound Program, contact Tashena Briggs, Director, at tbriggs@kish.edu or 815-825- 9437.

Photo L to R: Jerry Smith, Mayor of DeKalb; Dr. Laurie Borowicz, President of Kishwaukee College; Tashena Briggs, Director of the TRiO Upward Bound Program; James Horne, Principal of DeKalb High School; Rep. Bob Pritchard; and Jamie Craven, Superintendent of DeKalb CUSD #428.