Upward Bound is one of several programs created by Congress in 1965 to help low income students and individuals better their lives through access to higher education. Since its beginning Upward Bound (and its fellow TRIO programs including Veterans Upward Bound, Talent Search, Student Support Services and others) has helped thousands of students successfully complete college and better their economic lives. It's an investment in our future.
As you may know, Upward Bound was one of the programs GW Bush eliminated in his fy 2006 budget. Though funding for the program was added back into the Senate version of the budget thanks to an amendment by Senator Kennedy that passed 51-49, this amendment was not included in the negotiated budget package passed by Republicans (not one Democrat) in the dead of night on April 27.
But all hope is not lost. Please help restore these important funds! (more below)
According to the
Council for Opportunity in Education
"In the agreed package, there is sufficient money to fully fund and moderately increase the appropriation for the TRIO programs. ... It is up to the Appropriators to restore TRIO funding and provide any increase."
Currently there are many (but not enough) Senators and Representatives who have signed Congressional Letters of Support for TRIO programs. You can view the lists here (Senators) and, for the House, here.
This issue was diaried a few months ago when Bush announced these cuts, but the wheels have turned and urgent action is required again. (ARGH! I'll be glad when I'm not constantly in a state of urgent action!)
I know may of you are UB supporters so I urge you all to contact your elected officials (again!) and urge them to commit to restoring this important program.
I'm concerned because I work for a UB program and know many students in my little community who will suffer (like, probably will end up working at the local fast food or WM rather than going to college and becoming nurses, engineers, teachers, lawyers and more) if our program ends. Personally, I have plans, so, while it would mean a change for me I'm not writing this to save my job
I really, truly believe that Upward Bound is a great program that has made a difference in thousands upon thousands of lives and ending it is just a terrible mistake.
