YAKIMA, Wash. – Yakima Valley College has received more than $900,000 in federal grants to support first-generation and low-income students.
The funding will continue the college’s Upward Bound and TRIO Student Support Services programs for the 2025-26 school year.
Upward Bound helps high school students from low-income or first-generation families prepare for college. About 110 students from Granger, Sunnyside, Toppenish, and Wapato school districts take part. The program offers tutoring, test prep, career workshops, college tours, and a six-week summer program where students can earn both high school and college credit.
Upward Bound participants are more likely to enroll in college and earn degrees. About 69% go on to post-secondary education, compared with 50% of all students in the program’s area.
TRIO Student Support Services helps 200 college students overcome social, cultural, and financial barriers. The program provides academic advising, mentoring, tutoring, and financial literacy support. TRIO students have a 90% retention rate, compared with 75% for non-participants.
College officials say the grants strengthen access to higher education and give students tools to succeed. Applications for both programs are now open.
For more information:
Upward Bound: 509-834-4575 | yvcupwardbound@yvcc.eduTRIO Student Support Services: 509-574-4701 | mvazquez@yvcc.edu
