PCC to Receive $1,049,990 to Help Low-Income Students Succeed in College

May 8, 2012

Upward Bound funding to total $5.24 million over five years

Tucson, AZ – The U.S. Department of Education today awarded Pima Community College $1,049,990 next year for a program to help low-income, first-generation students prepare for and succeed in college.

The Upward Bound award will be shared by four of PCC’s six campuses for the 2012-13 year: East Campus and Desert Vista Campus each will receive $262,500, while Downtown Campus will receive $262,498 and Northwest will receive $262,492.

The grant awards are expected to total approximately $5.24 million over their five-year lifespans.

Over the past five years, PCC has served 926 high school students in its Upward Bound programs.

Upward Bound is designed for freshman or sophomores at12 Tucson-area high schools. Students who meet federal income guidelines, who need academic assistance to graduate high school and pass the AIMS test, and whose parents have not graduated from a four-year university are eligible for the program.

 “Upward Bound creates opportunities that might not otherwise be available for students in Arizona and across the country,” said Interim Chancellor Dr. Suzanne Miles. “It plays a critical role in helping students pursue a college education.”

Upward Bound students remain in the program throughout high school and through their first two years of college. The program offers summer classes, tutoring, career counseling, financial aid advising, assistance with the college admission applications, scholarship searches, field trips and cultural events.

Upward Bound is part of the federal TRIO program. TRIO offers services for disabled, low-income or first-generation college students.

CONTACT:
C.J. Karamargin
Vice Chancellor for Public Information and Government Relations
(520) 206-4850
ckaramargin@pima.edu