WESSON — The U.S. Department of Education has awarded Copiah-Lincoln Community College’s Simpson County Center over $1.4 million to fund an Upward Bound Program for the next five years beginning October 1, 2023.

Co-Lin’s Simpson County Center Upward Bound program will serve 60 low-income and first-generation students at the following high schools: Lawrence County High School, Magee High School, and Mendenhall High School. The Upward Bound program will provide participants with academic tutoring; second and post-secondary advisement; college entrance exam preparation; assistance in completing financial aid applications; financial and economic literacy; instruction in mathematics, laboratory science, foreign language, and literature; exposure to cultural events and academic programs; career exploration, and an on-campus residential program on the college’s Wesson Campus. To participate in the Upward Bound program, students must have completed the eighth grade and be at least 13 years old, but not older than 19.

“I sincerely believe that the Upward Bound Program in Simpson County will help motivate and guide students in their pursuit of a college degree,” said Dr. Anika Floyd, Co-Lin Vice President of the Simpson County Center. “We look forward to working even more closely with our school districts to ensure that students have the tools and resources needed to prepare them for success.”

The Upward Bound program aims to provide opportunities for participants to succeed in their precollege performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits. Upward Bound serves high school students from low-income families; and high school students from families where neither parent holds a bachelor’s degree. The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.

“This is an exciting day for Co-Lin as we announce that the Upward Bound program will be at our Simpson County Center for the first time,” said Co-Lin President Dr. Dewayne Middleton. “Upward Bound will make a significant difference in the lives of 60 high school students for generations to come. We are eager to begin serving our community.”

More details about the application/selection process will be forthcoming. Be sure to follow Co-Lin’s social media accounts and learn more about the college at www.colin.edu.