Northern Arizona University's Upward Bound program is entering its 26th year of service with a $2.2 million endorsement from the U.S. Department of Education.

The program has been notified that its grant was re-funded for $439,795 annually for five years.

"We were thrilled when we heard about the grant," said Erin Grisham, director of Education Support Programs. "That's quite an accomplishment for all of the TRIO programs."

Upward Bound is one of five programs within TRIO, a federally funded series aimed at providing educational opportunities for first-generation and low-income high school students. The TRIO programs as well as two other services are housed within NAU's Educational Support Programs.

Upward Bound provides academic and postsecondary education preparation for up to 86 students from Williams High School, Coconino High School in Flagstaff, Hopi High School in Keams Canyon and Alchesay High School in Whiteriver.

Students learn about financial aid, career paths and other pre-college concerns. "Through academic and summer programs, our students get to experience life on campus," Grisham said. "And they get a push to enroll in higher education."

The program also promotes a strong community relationship.

"Our outreach programs connect NAU to the community in a very meaningful way," Grisham said. "This is very rewarding, and our staff gets very energized by our students."

Upward Bound's proposal scored in the top 5 percent off all proposals submitted, which is why the program received a five-year grant instead of the usual four-year grant. Scoring is based on many factors, including prior experience.