HANCOCK — TRIO Upward Bound (TRIO UB), hosted by Finlandia University, is currently accepting applications for 20 new high school participants from the CCISD. Ideal TRIO UB candidates would like to attend college after high school, are open to academic and personal support, are committed to attending events, and would appreciate a community atmosphere.

Students who qualify and join TRIO UB have access to the following free services:

— after school study sessions

— monthly Saturday Academies

— college tours

— travel

— tutoring

— college/career advising

— monthly stipends

— cultural activities

— college application and ACT/SAT fee waivers.

Additionally, students are invited to participate in a six-week intensive Summer Program. Traditionally, students live in Finlandia Hall Monday through Friday for five weeks, taking courses and participating in evening activities. The summer program culminates in a week-long trip to a major US city. Past trips include Boston, Atlanta, and Seattle. Please note, all travel and dormitory plans are made with health and safety of students as the number one priority.

TRIO Upward Bound is part of the national federal TRIO programs, created to serve potential first-generation students and students from modest income homes, as defined by federal guidelines, in preparation for a successful college career. Each program is 100% grant funded through the US Department of Education and hosted by an institution of higher education or nonprofit organization.

Finlandia’s TRIO Upward Bound has been active and successful in Baraga, Houghton and Keweenaw counties since the early 1980s and is funded to serve a total of 84 high school students each academic year. Nationally, only 40% of high school graduates will move to education beyond high school, while 78% of TRIO UB participants from the CCISD entered some form of education beyond high school.

If you are interested in learning more about TRIO Upward Bound, visit keweenawtrio.org or call (906) 487-7343. Possible applicants can print a copy of the eligibility application at keweenawtrio.org/joinub or request a copy by emailing trioprecollegeprograms@keweenawtrio.org or calling (906) 487-7343.