|
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Kennesaw State University TRIO Programs consist of three different programs- Polk
Upward Bound serving Rockmart and Cedartown High Schools, Hiram Upward Bound serving
Hiram High School, and Upward Bound Math Science serving East Paulding High School.
KSU TRIO provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college
entrance. Guided by the belief that education should be available to all persons with
the potential to succeed, the program provides opportunities for participants to succeed
in high school academic performance and subsequent higher education pursuits. The
goal of KSU TRIO is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary
education, enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education. |
-
How much does the program cost?
There is absolutely no cost to participate in the Upward Bound program. As a federally funded program, all costs are paid. However, the program does not cover personal purchases (i.e. souvenirs). |
-
Who is eligible to participate?
Individuals are eligible to participate if they are in the 9th, 10th, or 11th grade
during the enrollment period and attend Hiram High School, Rockmart High School, Cedartown
High School, or East Paulding High School. Students must reside in households in which
their parent(s) or legal guardian(s) have not earned a Bachelor's Degree and/or meet
federal income requirements. |
-
How many high school students are eligible to participate?
Kennesaw State University TRIO Programs are funded to serve 60 students per program
(180 total). |
-
What does the admissions process entail?
|
All prospective students must complete an application for admission:
A completed application, if in the 9th grade, includes the submission of the following
documents: copy of your 8th grade standardized test (Milestone/ITBS/CRCT) scores,
copy of 8th grade report card, recommendation from middle school counselor, recommendation
from middle school teacher, and personal essay.
A completed application, if in the 10th grade, includes the submission of the following
documents: copy of your most recent standardized test (Milestone/ITBS/CRCT) scores,
copy of high school transcript, recommendation from high school counselor, recommendation
from high school teacher, and personal essay.
A completed application, if in the 11th grade, includes the submission of the following
documents: copy of your most recent standardized test (Milestone/ITBS/CRCT) scores,
copy of high school transcript, recommendation from high school counselor, recommendation
from high school teacher, and personal essay.
In addition, applicants are interviewed by members of the Upward Bound staff.
|
-
When does the enrollment period begin and end?
The Kennesaw State University TRIO enrollment period begins in March and ends in September
of each year. Individuals selected begin actively participating in the program in
October. |
-
How are students selected?
Applicants are selected based on a combination of factors: completed application,
essay, recommendations, grades, need, and interview. However, all applicants must
meet the income and/or first-generation status requirements to be considered for the
program. |
-
When are new admits required to begin?
Applicants will be notified by the end of September. If admitted to the program, students
and parents are required to attend a New Student Orientation (failure to attend will
forfeit your acceptance). Following the New Student Orientation, students will begin
active participation in the program. |
-
What if my child did not receive an acceptance letter?
Applications will be rated and placed in priority order. The highest 60 applicants will be accepted. Applicants not accepted into the program will be notified. |
-
What are the program's expectations for participants?
Participants are expected to commit to KSU TRIO until they graduate from high school.
In committing to the program, students should attend all mandatory sessions and turn
in all required documents at the time they are due. Additionally, students are required
to exhibit appropriate behavior at all KSU TRIO sponsored events and respect KSU TRIO
staff, peers, and themselves at all times. Students and parents sign a contract pledging
their agreement to uphold KSU TRIO standards upon entering the program. |
-
What services are provided to current participants?
|
KSU TRIO offers an Academic Year component in which students receive supplemental
instruction in academic, cultural, and social areas, as well as a Summer Non-Residential
component-an intensive six-week instructional program requiring students to experience
a college-like experience live on campus during the summer. All services are provided
through a federally funded grant and are free to the participant.
Academic Year Component
Students receive numerous services that enhance their social and academic development,
including:
- Instruction in reading, writing, mathematics, foreign language and other subjects
necessary for success in high school
- Academic, financial, and personal counseling
- Exposure to cultural events
- Mentoring
- Tutoring
- Assistance with postsecondary opportunities
Summer Non-Residential Component
During the Summer Non-Residential component students receive the services offered
during the Academic Year in addition to:
- Career work-study and exploration
- On the campus of Kennesaw University-Paulding Campus for six weeks
- Enrollment in courses taught by college instructors to receive a true college experience
|
-
Does KSU TRIO provide financial support for participants attending postsecondary education?
No. However, KSU TRIO will provide resources and materials to help students/parents pay for their postsecondary education. For example, but not limited to, filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). |
-
What are the benefits of joining KSU TRIO?
|
Some of the benefits associated with joining our program include:
- Access to a personal Academic Advisor/Success Coach geared to help you succeed in
high school and beyond
- Exposure to a range of cultural and college activities
- Participation in an intensive 6-week academic experience
- Preparation for standardized tests (PSAT, SAT, ACT)
- Assistance with the admission and financial aid processes
- Receipt of summer stipends
|
-
Do I reapply to KSU TRIO each year?
No. Once accepted into KSU TRIO, you are in the program until you graduate from high school. |
-
Does my participation in KSU TRIO guarantee me admission into the Kennesaw State University?
No. KSU TRIO is a federally funded program and cannot guarantee admission to any postsecondary
institution. If a student is interested in attending Kennesaw State University, we
can help facilitate the process. However, the student must meet the basic requirements
of the university admission's office. |
|
