UMD News Releases

UMD's Upward Bound Program has received a federal grant of $542,822, it was announced this week by Senator Norm Coleman. UMD's award is the largest single grant in the state. In Minnesota, 19 colleges will share slightly more than $6 million.

Upward Bound helps students develop the necessary skills and motivation for postsecondary education by providing intensive academic instruction, supporting participants, and assisting them with college entrance exams and financial applications. In particular, the program focuses on low-income high school students and first generation military families preparing to enter postsecondary programs. Upward Bound's mission is to increase the rate at which students enroll in and graduate from postsecondary education institutions. The UMD Upward Bound Program reaches about 130 students each year.

"We have been awarded about 2% more than last year," said John Beaulieu, UMD program director. "We are so excited to get this grant so we can keep working with kids," he said. "It's a program that works."

Senator Coleman said, "As the former mayor of St. Paul, I know what a profound impact postsecondary education programs have on the local community. I am thrilled to announce that the United States Department of Education has awarded 19 federal grants to Minnesota colleges and universities to support the important Upward Bound program."