1. United States
2. Tenn.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to protect and fully fund the Federal TRIO Programs, including Upward Bound. As a proud alumnus of Upward Bound, I can personally attest to the life-changing impact these programs have on students from low-income and first-generation backgrounds. Before joining Upward Bound, I had little exposure to college preparation resources. I came from a family with limited financial means and no college graduates to guide me. Through Upward Bound, I gained not only academic support, but also the confidence and vision to pursue higher education. The program introduced me to a private college I had never heard of before—one I eventually attended and graduated from, becoming the first person in my family to earn a college degree. Upward Bound didn’t just help me fill out applications or practice for tests; it fundamentally changed the trajectory of my life. It gave me the tools, the mentorship, and the belief that I was capable of succeeding in college and beyond. Today, I am no longer in poverty, and I credit much of that success to the doors Upward Bound opened for me. TRIO programs work. They are a proven investment in the future of our country—empowering young people to break the cycle of poverty and become educated, productive citizens. Cutting their funding would not only endanger the futures of thousands of students like I once was, but also undermine the very principles of opportunity and equity that we should be championing. Please stand up for the students who need TRIO most. I urge you to oppose any funding cuts and support the full funding of these essential programs. Thank you for your time and continued service.