The U.S. Department of Education’s federal TRIO Programs have awarded the University of Hawaii Hilo’s Upward Bound program four new grants totaling almost $6 million.

Each grant is for five years and will be used to help high school students prepare to enter college.

The grants include $1.488 million for the UH-Hilo Upward Bound programs covering the following regions: East (Keaau High School and Pahoa High and Intermediate School); Urban (Hilo and Waiakea High Schools); North (Honokaa High and Intermediate School and Kohala High School); and West (Kealakehe and Konawaena High Schools).

Each grant carries objectives related to academic performance based on grade point average and performance on standardized testing; secondary school retention and graduation; and postsecondary enrollment and completion.

“The project goals focus on key elements of student success, first with completion at the high school level then with preparation for a smooth transition to college,” explained principal investigator Farrah-Marie Gomes. “The types of services and support provided by the Upward Bound programs demonstrate UH Hilo’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion as we work to ensure that all students have the ability to access higher education opportunities.”

Gomes hailed the work of Upward Bound director Shayna Fuente, associate director Claire Uyetake and assistant director Sarah Lips for co-authoring the grant proposals.

She said the grants will help to support first-generation students and students from low-income families around Hawaii island.

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics and general news for Spectrum News Hawaii.