TRIO Upward Bound

Eligibility 

Federal TRIO Upward Bound regulations require that students must have completed the 8th grade, be between the ages of 13 and 19, and require academic support in pursuing post-secondary education.  Students must be from a low-income household and/or be potential first-generation college students.  The program requires that two-thirds of the participants must be from a low-income household and be potential first-generation college students.  The remaining one-third of the participants must be either from a low-income household or be potential first-generation college students.

To be eligible to apply to the Upward Bound program, a prospective applicant must meet at least one or both of the federal requirements:

• Low-income household
• Potential first-generation college student (neither parent has a bachelor’s degree)

In addition, a prospective applicant to the Upward Bound program must meet the following:

• Attend a target high school (Berea, Carolina, or Southside High for Greenville Technical College’s Upward Bound program)
• Be in the 9^th or 10^th Grade
• Have at least a 2.5 GPA
• Show a desire to attend college
• Be willing to participate in all aspects of the Upward Bound program
• Be a citizen or national of the United States, permanent resident of the United States, or in the United States for other than a temporary purpose (applicant then provides evidence of intent to become a permanent resident)

Income Eligibility Requirements

The term low-income household means a household whose taxable income for the preceding year did not exceed 150 percent of the poverty level amount. View the Department of Education Income Eligibility Requirements »

The term first-generation college student is a student who comes from a family in which neither parent holds a bachelor's degree.

Application Process

Upward Bound New Scholar Applications are now available online.

1. Use the following link to apply to Greenville Technical College's Upward Bound program only if you are in the 9^th or 10^th grade at Berea High School, Carolina High School, or Southside High School:
   Upward Bound New Scholar Application
2. After you submit your application, your school counselor should receive a Counselor Recommendation form which he/she must complete for your application to be considered.  Please contact your school counselor to make sure he/she received the form and then completes it in a timely manner.  If your school counselor did not receive the form, you did not enter your school counselor's email correctly on the application.  In that case, you will need to contact Brett Buzzell, Assistant Director of Upward Bound, at Brett.Buzzell@gvltec.edu for further assistance. 
3. An Upward Bound representative will contact you to set up an intake meeting after the completed Counselor Recommendation form is received from your school counselor.
4. You will be notified if you are accepted into the Upward Bound program by email.

Benefits of Upward Bound:

• Free of Cost
• Paid Program Participation (Stipends)
• Academic Component (18 Saturdays/School Year)
• Summer Component (6 Weeks/Five Days Each Week)
• Summer Work-Study Program Opportunities
• Cultural Activities
• College Tours (In-State and Out-of-State)
• Summer Component Trip (Selected Students)
  Previous Summer Component trips have taken students to places such as:
  • New York City
  • Washington D.C.
  • Chicago
  • Philadelphia

• Career Exploration
• ACT/SAT Preparation
• Mentoring
• Academic Advising
• Social-Emotional Learning
• Instruction in Mathematics, Laboratory Science, Spanish, Financial Literacy, and English
• College Application Assistance
• FAFSA Application Assistance
• Scholarship Application Assistance

As an Upward Bound Scholar, you must . . .

• Attend 18 Academic Component Saturday Sessions during the school year
• Attend 30 Summer Component Weekday Sessions
• Participate in all scheduled Upward Bound activities
• Model The UB Way (integrity / respect / growth mindset / leadership / program commitment)

Upward Bound staff will discuss the point system used to inform scholars of their standing in the program at the Academic Component orientation or post-selection if they are entering the program afterwards.  Standing in the program determines activity and travel eligibility.

To be eligible to participate with Upward Bound in a cultural activity or college tour, Upward Bound Scholars must be in good standing with the program and have accomplished the following:

1. Attended at least 75% of the Academic Component sessions and Summer Component sessions up to that point in time
2. Actively participated in the Academic Component sessions and Summer Component sessions
3. Modeled The UB Way

To be eligible to travel with Upward Bound on the Summer Component trip, Upward Bound Scholars must be in good standing with the program and have accomplished the following:

1. Participated in the program for the entire school year
2. Attended at least 75% of the Academic Component sessions and Summer Component sessions up to that point in time
3. Presented the assigned research topic to peers and Upward Bound staff
4. Maintained at least a 2.5 GPA
5. Missed no more than 10 school days
6. Received no more than 2 referrals
7. Modeled The UB Way

To be selected to travel on the Summer Component trip, Upward Bound Scholars must have received the highest number of points in relation to the number of slots allocated to scholars for the trip.

Upward Bound Works!

Greenville Technical College’s Upward Bound program has six program objectives that it must meet each year of the federal grant.  For the 2024-2025 Annual Performance Review, it met all six program objectives!

Objective #1

35% of participants will have a cumulative GPA ≥ 2.5 at the end of the school year
Actual Attained Rate – 97%

Objective #2

50% of seniors will have achieved at the proficient level on state assessments in reading/language arts and math
Actual Attained Rate – 100%

Objective #3

85% of participants will continue in school for the next academic year at the next grade level or will have graduated with a high school diploma
Actual Attained Rate – 100%

Objective #4

30% of current and prior-year participants who graduated from high school during the school year with a high school diploma will complete a rigorous secondary school program of study
Actual Attained Rate – 100%

Objective #5

65% of current and prior-year participants who graduated from high school during the school year with a high school diploma will enroll in a program of postsecondary education by the fall term immediately following high school graduation
Actual Attained Rate – 71%

Objective #6

20% of participants who enrolled in a program of post-secondary education will attain either an associate or bachelor’s degree within 6 years following high school graduation
Actual Attained Rate – 27%

How many students participate in the Upward Bound program and how many new students are accepted each year?

 Greenville Technical College’s Upward Bound program is funded by the U.S. Department of Education to serve a combined total of 65 students annually.   Ninth and tenth graders are accepted into the program each year to replace Upward Bound graduates and those no longer participating in the program.

Who is eligible to participate?

Greenville Technical College’s Upward Bound program serves students from Berea, Carolina, and Southside High who meet these specific eligibility requirements:

• Come from a low-income household and/or are potential first-generation college students
• Require academic support in pursuing post-secondary education
• Have at least a 2.5 GPA
• Show a desire to attend college
• Be willing to participate in all aspects of the Upward Bound program
• Be a citizen or national of the United States, permanent resident of the United States, or in the United States for other than a temporary purpose (prospect then provides evidence of intent to become a permanent resident)

How much does it cost to participate in Upward Bound?

There is absolutely no cost to participate in the program. 

How are students selected for the program?

Eligible applicants are selected based on a combination of criteria including application essay, counselor recommendation, grades, demonstrated need for the program, an intake meeting, and student commitment.

Why does Upward Bound only accept 9th and 10th graders?

Upward Bound programs are not allowed to accept 12th graders due to federal regulations. The Upward Bound staff does not normally accept 11th graders as students do not have enough time in the program to benefit from our services.

If I am accepted, what commitments must I make?

Upward Bound Scholars are expected to fully participate in the Academic Component and Summer Component of the program until graduation from high school.  In addition, they are required to adhere to Upward Bound’s Scholar Agreement at all program activities.  Upward Bound Scholars should always remember that being selected to participate in the Upward Bound program is both a privilege and a responsibility.

Do I have to attend Greenville Technical College for college if I am accepted to Upward Bound?

No.  A goal of the Upward Bound program is to help students find their “college fit.”  Many Upward Bound students apply to and are accepted to other colleges and universities in South Carolina and throughout the country.

2026-2027 Academic Component Schedule

Sessions run from 7:45 a.m. -1 p.m. each Saturday.
Location – Room 343 in Building 103

• Session #1 – August 29
• Session #2 – September 12
• Session #3 – September 26
• Session #4 – October 10
• Session #5 – October 24
• Session #6 – November 7
• Session #7 – November 21
• Session #8 – December 5

• Session #9 – January 9
• Session #10 – January 23
• Session #11 – February 6
• Session #12 – February 20
• Session #13 – March 6
• Session #14 – Spring Break Activity (TBD)
• Session #15 – Spring Break Activity (TBD)
• Session #16 – April 3
• Session #17 – April 17
• Session #18 - May 2

2027 Summer Component Schedule

Sessions run from 7:45 a.m. - 1 p.m. Monday-Friday
Location - Room 343 in Building 103

• June 4 - July 16
• Summer Component Trip - July 12-16

Standardized Testing

• ACT Preparation
• ACT Registration
• SAT Preparation
• SAT Registration
• End-Of-Course Preparation

Academic Assistance

• Khan Academy

College

• Big Future
• Campus Tours
• College Scorecard
• Common App

Financial Aid & Scholarships

• College Affordability and Transparency Center
• Fastweb
• Federal Student Aid
• Financial Student Aid Estimator
• Scholarships and Grants for SC Residents

Career Exploration

• Career One Stop
• Mapping Your Future – Explore Careers
• Occupational Outlook Handbook
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Dr. Shadai Wilburn, Ph.D.
Dean of Educational Opportunity Programs
Shadai.Wilburn@gvltec.edu
864-250-8959

Dr. Shadai Wilburn is the Dean of Educational Opportunity Programs at Greenville Technical College. These programs, TRIO Upward Bound and TRIO Student Support Services, are designed to assist at-risk students in their educational journeys.

With experience in grant writing, advocacy, and policy development, Dr. Wilburn previously served the college as Assistant Director of TRIO Upward Bound, forging connections with students, linking them with essential resources, and providing support services critical to academic achievement and long-term persistence.

Dr. Wilburn earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in human services, and a doctorate degree in human services from Capella University. With this background, she brings to her role a strong foundation in psychological principles and insights into the complexities of community dynamics and systemic barriers.

Brett Buzzell, M.Ed.
TRIO Upward Bound Assistant Director
Brett.Buzzell@gvltec.edu
864-250-8078

Brett Buzzell is the TRIO Upward Bound Assistant Director at Greenville Technical College.  He hails from Greenville and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Furman University as well as a Master of Education degree in Administration and Supervision from Clemson University. Mr. Buzzell is a dedicated servant-leader with over twenty years of experience in secondary education, serving in various capacities such as teacher, department chair, magnet program coordinator, testing coordinator, and administrator. His background in retail sales management complements his educational expertise, as he is committed to delivering exceptional customer service to all stakeholders while fostering strong relational trust with students.

Jo Hanna
TRIO Upward Bound Academic Coach
Jo.Hanna@gvltec.edu
864-250-8957

Jo Hanna is the Upward Bound Academic Coach at Greenville Technical College.  Mrs. Hanna has over twelve years of experience in secondary education, where she has developed a strong foundation in goal setting, differentiated instruction, progress monitoring, and relationship-driven student support while primarily serving as an Orchestra Director.  She has taught in multiple districts across South Carolina, including the Upstate and Midlands, which has strengthened her ability to connect with diverse learners and collaborate with families and school teams.  Mrs. Hanna earned a Bachelor of Science in Music Education (Instrumental emphasis) from Presbyterian College.  She is committed to helping students access opportunities, overcome barriers, and achieve long-term success.

Community Partnerships

Greenville Technical College’s Upward Bound program greatly appreciates its community partnerships.

A special thank you goes out to the following community partners for their support of Greenville Technical College’s Upward Bound program:

• Greenville Technical College Administration, Faculty, and Staff
• Greenville County Schools District Administration
• Berea High School Administration and Faculty
• Carolina High School Administration and Faculty
• Southside High School Administration and Faculty
• Upstate Circle of Friends

Supporting Upward Bound

Please consider these opportunities to support Greenville Technical College’s Upward Bound program:

• Mentor a current Upward Bound Scholar
• Speak about your academic experiences, life experiences, career experiences, or anything that you believe would help a current Upward Bound Scholar
• Contact your state and federal representatives to tell them what Upward Bound has meant for you and your education, career, or life in general
• Give financial support to Greenville Technical College’s Upward Bound program (go to www.greenvilletechfoundation.org/donate/ and designate "Upward Bound" in the "Other" field)