Be the first in your family to graduate from college

Educational Outreach in Houston, TX

The Parris Foundation is proud to offer TRIO Programs that make a significant difference in the lives of first generation students by helping them qualify for, attend, and graduate from centers for higher learning. 

These programs offer the guidance students need to succeed, which includes everything from improving GPAs, making a seamless transition to college, choosing the right career path, or even going back to high school to finish a GED.

We’re proud to help disenfranchised neighborhoods through our TRIO Programs, which are 100% federally funded by the U.S. Department of Education. This means all services are FREE to participants. With the support of program advisors and mentors, our goal is to cultivate success for students and adults alike.

From their first day in a TRIO program until graduation, our mentors guide students to achieve meaningful academic goals

TRIO Programs are designed to provide the guidance, support, and practical help that students from disenfranchised backgrounds need in order to attend and graduate from college. 

These federally-funded programs help address barriers to education – issues that are at the heart of The Parris Foundation’s purpose to provide outreach and educational services to disenfranchised communities.

For decades, TRIO programs have demonstrated a significant positive impact on increasing college enrollment and graduation rates for first-generation students, financially disadvantaged students, and students with disabilities.

Thanks to The Parris Foundation’s participation in various TRIO Programs, we have already had the privilege of witnessing students achieving their dreams of graduating from college, courageously becoming the first in their family to do so. 

What TRIO Programs are

  • Are first-generation to earn a college degree and eager to attend college
  • Would like support with every step of the college application process, from college essays all the way to picking first classes
  • Would like the opportunity to explore how their talents and passions align with future career paths
  • Need help understanding FAFSA, financial aid, scholarships, and all the potential ways to pay for college

If you’re a student who matches the above qualifications, then The Parris Foundation is ready to help you receive the education that unlocks opportunities for you and your family.

TRIO Programs are for students who…

TRIO Upward Bound is a federally-funded program that helps high school students prepare for college and graduate. Upward Bound provides students in grades 9 to 12 with all the support they need to get accepted, afford, and thrive in college. 

Upward Bound offers:
  • Academic enrichment that includes tutoring and mentoring, study skills development, and college preparatory courses
  • College readiness support, including college exploration, financial aid assistance, and career guidance
  • Supportive communities from both peers and parents
  • Summer enrichment programs that educate and inspire

Locations: 
  • Alief ISD (Hastings & Taylor High School)
  • Fort Bend ISD (Hightower & Marshall High School)
  • Fort Bend ISD (Dulles & Willowridge High School)
TRIO Educational Talent Search helps middle school students, high school students, and adults explore educational opportunities, prepare for college, and overcome obstacles that might stand in their way. This includes students who are between the ages of 11 and 27, who have completed the fifth grade, and are in need of financial assistance. 

TRIO Educational Talent Search offers:
  • Academic advising to help students identify how to achieve success
  • Personal counseling to help students overcome self-doubt and learn how they can accomplish their goals and aspirations, both educational and in life
  • Inspiration from college campus tours, educational field trips, or summer programs to help students to imagine what their life could be in a world filled with opportunity

Locations: 
  • Alief ISD
  • Spring Branch ISD

TRIO Upward Bound Program

TRIO Educational Talent Search

1
Submit an application

Whether you’re a student or an advisor, reach out to let us know you’d like to leverage our resources to make the college process easier — and more fun! 

Get connected with a TRIO program

To qualify for one of the TRIO programs, there are certain qualifications students have to meet, such as grade level and location. Based on your criteria and your academic goals, we’ll help you decide which program is the best fit for you.

Reach your full potential for success

We work with students from the time they begin the program to the time they first transition to college. In addition to meeting with them on a weekly, monthly, or quarterly basis at their school, we also offer engaging activities for learning in between.

2
2
3

Find your path to college with three easy steps

We know going to college can feel like an uphill battle as you face challenging obstacles keeping you from a post-secondary education. So let us make going to college easier! 
Our mentors and academic advisors are here to support you with:

College Readiness
Equipping students with the academic skills, study habits, and time-management strategies needed to excel in college

Financial Literacy
Teaching students essential money management skills, including budgeting, saving, and understanding financial aid and student loans

AP & CLEP Test Prep
Providing study resources and guidance to help students pass AP and CLEP exams, earning college credits while still in high school

SAT & ACT Test Prep
Offering test-taking strategies, practice exams, and personalized coaching to boost scores on these critical college entrance exams

Tutoring & College Mentoring
Connecting students with academic support and mentors who guide them through the college preparation and application process

Scholarship Application Assistance
Helping students identify, apply for, and secure scholarships to reduce the financial burden of college tuition

College Admission Assistance
Supporting students with college selection, application completion, essay writing, and interview preparation to maximize acceptance chance

Career Exploration
Exposing students to various career paths, helping them understand job market trends, and aligning their interests with future opportunities

Academic Advising & Coaching
Providing personalized guidance on course selection, goal setting, and college readiness to ensure students stay on track for success

Get support on a variety of topics

We believe the best way to grow knowledge is to take what you’ve learned in the classroom and apply it to real life. These are some additional perks you’ll get access to through our TRIO programs — all designed to further your educational journey.
  • Interactive Workshops for Students and Parents
  • 6-Week Summer Enrichment Program
  • Educational Field Trips
  • Community Service Events
  • In-Person College Visits
  • Guest Speakers

Expanding worldviews outside the classroom

Click through to the application that best represents your location and academic goals. We’ll then reach out personally to discuss what the path to college looks like for you! 

Let’s move you toward an even brighter future