Kent State’s Upward Bound Programs to Celebrate Graduating High School Seniors, May 19

The Kent State University Upward Bound Programs will host the Senior Scholarship Banquet on Saturday, May 19, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Kent Student Center Ballroom. The event is open to Kent State faculty and staff, high school administrators and community members.

The Senior Scholarship Banquet recognizes graduating high school seniors who have successfully participated and completed the Upward Bound TRIO Programs’ experience. Graduating seniors will be recognized for their achievements and success as program participants. Many of these students are the first in their families to go to college, and in many instances, have obtained academic and athletic scholarships.

Upward Bound alumna and Vice President of Planning and External Affairs for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland Jacklyn Chisholm, Ph.D., will deliver the keynote address at the event. Kent State Upward Bound scholarships will be awarded during the banquet, including the Parent Advisory Council awards. The event also will feature recognition of program alumni, university and community partners.

“We are extremely proud of our graduating students and very happy to have impacted their lives here at Kent State through the Upward Bound programs,” said Dana Lawless-Andric, director of the pre-college and TRiO Upward Bound programs at Kent State. “By successfully completing the program, these students are better prepared for the college experience, and will go on to make meaningful contributions to their communities.”

Kent State hosts three federal Upward Bound TRIO grants: the Upward Bound Classic program, serving the Akron Buchtel, Barberton and Warren areas; the Upward Bound PREP Academy, serving the Ravenna and Lorain areas; and the Upward Bound Math/Science Center, serving the Canton area.   

The banquet is coordinated by the Kent State Upward Bound Programs in collaboration with parents from all three programs who volunteer time and resources through the Parent Advisory Council, fundraising scholarship dollars and gifts for the graduating seniors.  

The cost to attend the event is $10, with proceeds benefitting the Parent Advisory Council scholarship.  Tables also are available for purchase for $100.

For more information about the Senior Scholarship Banquet or to purchase a ticket, contact the Kent State University Upward Bound Programs’ offices at 330-672-2920.

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Media Contacts:
Dana Lawless-Andric, dlawless@kent.edu, 330-672-2920
Emily Vincent, evincen2@kent.edu, 330-672-8595