SAN BERNARDINO, CA — Today, Rep. Pete Aguilar announced $1,562,400 over the next five years for the California State University San Bernardino’s (CSUSB) Upward Bound Program, which provides one-on-one academic guidance, tutoring, access to college campus visits and real-life college experiences and instruction to help young people complete high school and prepare for college.

“Programs like the Upward Bound Program are crucial to giving all students an opportunity to succeed by addressing our nation’s education equity gaps,” said Rep. Aguilar. “I am proud to have secured this funding to support Rialto high students and will continue fighting to give every Inland Empire student a chance to attend college and achieve their dreams.”

Upward Bound is a Federal TRIO Program designed to help disadvantaged students. TRIO includes a total of eight programs that are targeted to serve low-income individuals, first-generation college students and individuals with disabilities through their academic careers from middle school to postbaccalaureate programs. This funding will help CSUSB provide comprehensive academic support to qualifying students from Carter, Eisenhower, and Rialto high schools within the Rialto Unified Schools District.

“Our TRIO Upward Bound Program creates a pathway tailored to program participants to complete high school, access, enter, and complete a postsecondary education,” said Dalia Hernandez, Upward Bound Director. “Through the program’s different components, we bridge the education equity gaps. Students receive academic support, tutoring, coaching, mentoring, and partake in college, career, and life skills readiness workshops.  During the Summer, Students experience what it is like to be a college student. They live in the dorms, and take courses in English, Mathematics, Science, Foreign language, and STEAM, all while building community.”

“Through the Upward Bound Summer program not only did they provide me with tools and resources to prepare for the next academic year but also the opportunity to learn to trust myself and others,” said Edward, 9^th grader at Pacific High School.

“Upward Bound guided me in my high school journey and prepared me for college. The staff was available and always supported me. They helped me understand the college journey I wanted to take, and all the steps needed to get there, from filling out college and financial aid applications to providing me support and resources during my transition to college,” said Alondra Zaragoza, 1^st year student at CSUSB majoring in Biology.

Rep. Aguilar serves as Vice Chair of the House Democratic Caucus and as a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, the Committee on House Administration and the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the US Capitol.

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