Frequently Asked Questions

KSU TRIO Drone Program Students

  • 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.

  • 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). 

     

  • Individuals are eligible to participate if they are in the 9th, 10th, or 11th grade during the enrollment period and attend Hiram 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.

     

  • Kennesaw State University TRIO Programs are funded to serve 60 students per program (180 total).

     

  • 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.

  • The Kennesaw State University TRIO enrollment period begins in March or April and ends in September of each year. Individuals selected begin actively participating in the program in October.

  • 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.

     

  •  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.

     

  • 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.

  •  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.

  • 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

  • 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). 

     

  • 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 plethora 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

  • No. Once accepted into KSU TRIO, you are in the program until you graduate from high school. 

     

  • 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.

 

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