Linden campus file photo.
The New Grant awards add $250,000 to Congressman Peter Welch’s budget to support college students.
Vermont Business Magazine A $4.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education has been awarded to support first-generation college students in Vermont.
Northern Vermont University-Johnson was awarded a $2.7M five-year grant, and Northern Vermont University-Lyndon was awarded a $1.8M five-year grant for their Upward Bound programs. When NVU merges with Castleton University and Vermont Technical College to become Vermont State University in July 2023, the grants will continue to support the Upward Bound program.
Upward Bound is one of America’s. Class TRIO programs and is free to any eligible participating student. Students are eligible based on federal guidelines if neither parent has completed a bachelor’s degree, or if the family has a low to moderate income. Congressman Peter Welch recently received $250,000 in direct spending from Congress to supplement TRIO funding at NVU-Lyndon.
“These new grants will expand educational and economic opportunities for Vermont’s first-generation and low-income students,” Welch said. “With the support of Upward Bound, students in need will get the help they need to thrive and build the future they want. Working with Vermont’s state colleges and local leaders to secure this additional funding was a privilege. I will work to ensure Vermont students have the support they need to grow and succeed,” he said.
53 percent of NVU-Linden students are first-generation and/or low-income. These students from high-income and non-first-generation families have greater difficulty continuing academically.
“This funding not only demonstrates Northern Vermont University’s commitment to supporting the college aspirations of middle-income, first-generation college-bound students, but also the hard work, dedication, and commitment of its staff and faculty. Bound program itself,” said Tony Blutter, director of Upward Bound programs at the NVU Johnson campus, where staff and faculty work with 100+ students from seven area high schools each year. The continuously funded Upward Bound program, which received its first award in 1971, is Vermont’s longest running. At NVU-Lyndon, the program works with 75 students at 10 area high schools.
Similar programs are offered at Castleton University and Vermont Technical College.
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At Castleton University, the boarding program is 100% federally funded at $610,080 annually.
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Vermont Technical College’s TRIO/SSS program helps first-generation, low-income students or students with disabilities succeed in college. Each year, 75% of Vermont Technical College students qualify on one of these criteria.
of Danby Vt. Dayton Amsden, who entered NVU-Johnson this fall as a freshman, credits Castleton University’s Upward Bound Early College Program with leading the way to high school.
“As a low-income person, I couldn’t afford the SAT and AP tests or college prep,” she said. “I started upbound my freshman year at Mill River Union High School. Not only did I learn a lot, but I made incredible friends and connections. To live the life I want, I need to go to college. I’m so excited for the first day! ” Amsden now serves as a junior mentor to other Upward Bound students.
All UP/TRIO/SSS programs at institutions including Vermont State University offer college courses, academic guidance and study skills assistance, financial aid workshops, career counseling and career information, transfer counseling and resume assistance, tutoring, peer mentoring; Learning – assessment and regular meetings with professional staff as well as volunteer work study spaces, campus activities and the opportunity to live in a residence hall.
The Upward Program is just one example of how Vermont State University seeks to expand access to high-need college graduates through initiatives that make college affordable for more people.
Upward bound
Since 1964, across the country, millions of high school students from middle-income homes have become the first in their families to earn a college degree through the federally funded TRIO Upward Bound programs operating in every state. Established as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty, these programs invite high school students from middle-income families to study on college campuses. During the school year, Upward Bound participants have access to a comprehensive college preparatory curriculum and services. Each summer, Upward Bound offers participants a six-week college and career readiness program, which includes additional college visits, summer enrichment classes (including dual-enrollment opportunities), community service opportunities, leadership development, and other cultural and educational activities designed to prepare them. You will be accepted into the next academic year and into a post-secondary education program. Upward Bound is one of the federally funded TRIO programs across the US. Department of Education and is free to any eligible participating student.
About the University of Northern Vermont
Northern Vermont University is a two-campus institution of higher education that combines nationally recognized liberal arts and professional programs from our campuses. At Northern Vermont University, our goal is to guide curious, motivated and engaged students to their path to success and their place in the world. NVU Online offers flexible, affordable, and high-quality options for students pursuing bachelor’s and master’s degrees as well as certificates. NVU offers a full range of associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees, as well as credit and non-credit certificates and professional development courses. On July 1, 2023, Northern Vermont University, along with Castleton University and Vermont Technical College, will become Vermont State University, a reimagined institution of higher education based on the strong legacies of its founding institutions. Learn more at NorthernVermont.edu.
About Vermont State University
Combining and building on the history of Castleton University, Northern Vermont University, and Vermont Technical College, Vermont State University will become one accredited institution on July 1, 2023. Learn more at VermontState.edu.
Vermont State University offers high-quality, flexible and affordable education at five premier locations and additional learning sites across the state of Vermont and beyond. Students can earn undergraduate, graduate, and associate degrees as well as certificates through technology, professional, and liberal arts programs offered in-person, hybrid, or online. Through community partnerships, students participate in real-world research, internships, volunteering, and work experiences. We foster a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice and strive to be a welcoming, diverse and inclusive learning and working environment. The university builds on Vermont’s history of public higher education dating back to 1787.
8.22.2022. Lyndon, Vermont – Vermont State University and Vermont Technical College VermontState.edu
