Renewal supports opportunity program for teens in 13 area school districts

QUEENSBURY, New York (June 21, 2022) — SUNY Adirondack is proud to announce the college was awarded $3 million to support its TRIO Upward Bound program.  

With this five-year grant ($610,081 a year), SUNY Adirondack will support 123 high school students annually in 13 area school districts.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to continue to provide resources and support to area high school students to help them fulfill their dreams of becoming the firsts in their families to attend college,” said Kelsey Lorusso, director of TRIO Opportunity Programs (Upward Bound and Student Support Services) at SUNY Adirondack. 

Upward Bound provides college preparatory services to income-eligible first-generation college students, including weekly advisor visits in high schools, college and career exploration, financial aid, financial literacy support, cultural activities, community service opportunities, preparation for SAT and ACT tests, and a six-week residential summer program on the SUNY Adirondack campus. 

SUNY Adirondack was first awarded TRIO Upward Bound grant funding in 1999; the grant was renewed in 2017. Grant funding is highly competitive and must be renewed every five years.  

The college’s program supports students in Argyle, Corinth, Fort Ann, Fort Edward, Glens Falls, Granville, Hartford, Hudson Falls, North Warren, Salem, South Glens Falls, Whitehall and Warrensburg school districts.  

“A college education is the quickest way to improve economic status and programs like this provide life changing opportunities for students and their families,” Lorusso said. 

To learn more about TRIO Upward Bound, please visit www.sunyacc.edu/upward-bound.