The Office of College Access Initiatives manages the following four programs for youth.
Upward Bound
Upward Bound (UB) is an intensive program serving highly motivated students’ successful transition to post-secondary institutions. UB builds a support system that enhances students’ academic and social experiences.
For whom? UB serves highly motivated, first generation, underrepresented high school youth in grades 9-12 in the Lansing area. Its Summer Academy serves high school students from Flint, Detroit, and Muskegon, in addition to Lansing students. UB also offers a Summer Bridge program for rising college freshmen.
KCP/GEAR UP
Michigan Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (MI GEAR UP) provides early intervention services starting in seventh grade and follows students for 7 years. MIGU is designed to increase the number of low-income students entering college and prepare them for post-secondary education.
For whom? MIGU serves Lansing area middle and high school students (7th grade through first year college) and their families from schools in which 50% or more of the students are eligible for free or reduced lunch programs.