The Parris Foundation is dedicated to improving the future, one student at a time. That’s why we’re honored to extend opportunities through the TRIO Upward Bound Program. This program empowers students in Houston by providing the tools, resources, and support they need to achieve academic success and pursue higher education.
As one of the federally funded TRIO programs, Upward Bound focuses on offering free help, guidance, and assistance to first-generation students in the 9th to 12th grade in order to overcome obstacles, complete college, and reach their full potential.
The TRIO Upward Bound program:
Preparing students for higher learning
Upward Bound supports this preparation through a structured and encouraging environment where students build the academic skills, confidence, and knowledge needed to succeed in high school, graduate, and transition to college.
As part of the TRIO family of programs, Upward Bound provides eligible students with free college preparation, academic guidance, additional learning opportunities, and personal development resources through federal funding.
What is the Upward Bound Program
The Parris Foundation is built on providing opportunity to all in our community. That’s why we’re proud to offer the support and resources available from the Upward Bound program to students who meet the following criteria:
We’re ready to help inspire students grades 9 to 12 to reach out and get the training needed to excel in college.
Students who are ready to become the first in their family to attend college are welcome to apply for this program.
The TRIO Upward Bound program supports eligible students who would benefit from academic guidance, college-readiness preparation, and additional encouragement as they work toward high school graduation and postsecondary education. Through structured support, students strengthen their academic skills, prepare for college, and take meaningful steps toward future success.
Who is eligible for the Upward Bound Program
Students who are U.S. citizens may participate in Upward Bound and receive college preparation, academic guidance, and support at no cost.
Eligible students who meet federal income guidelines may participate in Upward Bound and receive academic support, college preparation, guidance, and financial aid assistance designed to help reduce the financial burden of pursuing college.
Upward Bound Program supported schools
What Upward Bound program participants can expect
Students receive individualized support in core subjects like math, science, and English.
Study skills development
Program participants can learn effective study habits, time management techniques, and test-taking strategies.
College preparatory courses
By taking advanced courses, students can strengthen their academic readiness for college.
Students can go visit and explore campuses to help them understand the opportunities available to them and gain insights into the college application process.
Financial aid assistance
To help guide youths towards college, they can learn about scholarships, grants, and FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
Career guidance
It can be overwhelming to decide what career path to take. That’s why the program helps students explore satisfying career options that match their personal interests and strengths.
Feeling a sense of connection can help students overcome obstacles and gain inspiration to move towards their dreams. That’s why the program helps build lasting relationships with fellow participants who share similar goals and challenges.
Parental involvement
When students have their families behind them, they’re often able to go further in life. Thus, the Upward Bound program encourages families to engage in workshops and events to support their child’s success.
Social emotional learning
Our holistic approach to empowering students includes helping them to know how to manage their emotions, build positive relationships, make responsible decisions, and achieve personal goals. This makes them more likely to be ready for college and achieve greater success.
Summer programs simulate a college experience, including academic courses and extracurricular activities. This gives students further preparation to succeed in college.
College and educational field trips
Students participate in events that foster teamwork, creativity, and personal growth.
Leadership development
Program participants learn how to build leadership skills through workshops and community service projects.
“Ever since I joined, I’ve been given a sense of hope that everything will come out OK: I will get the colleges, and I will get the scholarships.
I definitely feel a sense that my future is going bright.
If you are lost in what you wanna do in your future, then this foundation will definitely guide you in anything you need.”
– Sean Fernandez, Springs Woods High School, Senior 2023
“The Parris Foundation has given me a lot of opportunities that I otherwise wouldn’t have, because you don’t know what opportunities are out there or you don’t know what you can do or what you can’t do for me.
I feel like the Parris Foundation showed me what I can do, and what was out there for people like me being first generation.
A lot of times, just a college application process is really intimidating, but I just submitted my Texas State application!
If it wasn’t for the foundation, I probably wouldn’t have known about this college or the resources that it has.”
– Ana Colin, Elisk High School Senior 2023
Testimonials from our alumni
Answers to commonly asked questions about The TRIO Upward Bound Program
How to get started
If you’re ready to begin your journey towards higher education, contact The Parris Foundation’s Director of Education & Outreach below.
Alfred Bacon
Director of Education and Outreach
(713) 534-1374
abacon@parrisfoundation.org
If you’re ready to begin your journey towards higher education, contact The Parris Foundation’s Director of Education & Outreach below.
Alfred Bacon
Director of Education and Outreach
abacon@parrisfoundation.org
(713) 534-1374
