Year-Round College Readiness Program Includes Six-Week Summer Residential Experience

Alabama A&M University is accepting applications from area high school students for its TRIO Upward Bound program, a federally funded initiative designed to help students prepare for and succeed in college, including a six-week summer residential college experience on campus.

Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, TRIO Upward Bound is a national college access program that provides academic support, mentoring and enrichment opportunities to students who are the first in their families to pursue a bachelor’s degree and who meet federal income eligibility guidelines. The Alabama A&M University program has served students in the Huntsville and North Alabama area for nearly 60 years and is funded annually to support 104 local high school students.

The program operates year-round, offering services during the academic year. Participants receive academic tutoring, mentoring, financial aid and financial literacy education, college preparation guidance, ACT preparation including free ACT fee waivers, college tours and campus visits, cultural and educational enrichment activities, stipends and additional college readiness support.

Students who participate in the program also have the opportunity to take part in the residential summer experience held on the Alabama A&M campus. The 2026 program will take place May 31 through July 9. During the summer component, students live on campus Sunday through Thursday for five weeks while participating in academic enrichment courses, hands-on learning experiences and educational activities on and off campus. The program may include travel both within and outside Alabama and is designed to give participants a preview of college life while strengthening their academic preparation.

All TRIO Upward Bound services are provided at no cost to students and families.

Students interested in applying must attend or be zoned for one of the program’s target high schools: Buckhorn, Columbia, Grissom, Hazel Green, Jemison, Lee, Sparkman 9th grade or Sparkman. Applicants must have completed the eighth grade, be at least 13 years old and meet federal eligibility requirements as a first-generation college student whose parent or guardian has not earned a bachelor’s degree, as well as meet federal income guidelines.

Students must complete an application packet to be considered for the program.

For more information and to apply, visit TRiO Upward Bound - Alabama A&M University.