Lake-Sumter State College has received a 5-year renewal of a 1.3 million dollar federal grant from the U.S. Department of Education for Upward Bound, a federal TRiO program.

Since 1964, Upward Bound has dramatically impacted the lives and trajectories of countless students and their families across the US. Upward Bound serves first-generation and students from disadvantaged backgrounds and helps them prepare for and enter college.

“At Lake-Sumter State College, this major federal investment in our local Lake County community pays incredible dividends for the lives and futures of low income and first generation students,” says Dr. Claire Brady, vice president for enrollment and student affairs. “Not only do we invest deeply in our Upward Bound students, these students invest deeply in themselves by making a four year commitment to attending Saturday school, after-school tutoring, and summer learning programs.”

LSSC’s Upward Bound program serves students from high schools across Lake County: Eustis High School, Mount Dora High School, Leesburg High School, Tavares High School, and Umatilla High School.

“Our program provides students with the support and resources they need to graduate high school and pursue postsecondary education at much higher rates than local and state averages,” said Nicole Duslak, director of Educational Opportunity Programs.

Lake-Sumter State College also receives an Educational Talent Search grant through TRiO programs to serve students at high schools across Lake and Sumter Counties.