Central College’s TRIO Upward Bound program marks its 60th anniversary in 2026, making it one of the first programs in Iowa and the nation to receive this federal grant in 1966.
Central’s TRIO grant award also encompasses Talent Search and Student Support Services — federal outreach initiatives designed to support low-income, first-generation college students and individuals with disabilities from middle school through post-graduate programs.
“The life-changing experiences created through the different TRIO programs are impressive,” says Kristin Lewis, director of TRIO Pre-College Programs at Central.
Program History
TRIO programs began at Central in 1966 with funds for the TRIO grants originating from the Economic Opportunity Act in response to President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty. The late Edward S. Banfield led Central’s program for 31 years alongside his wife, Mary Jane Banfield.
When the first Upward Bound graduates were recognized in 1971, Banfield noted that approximately 75% of participants continued their education beyond high school. “Upward Bound has made college a reality rather than a dream,” he reported.
With 60 years of transforming lives, Lewis reports that 79% of participants continue their education beyond high school.
“Upward Bound at Central College has given students the support, motivation and confidence they need to succeed in post-secondary education for decades,” Lewis says. “The continuous funding affirms the excellence of our program and our commitment to build on the rich history of the service and mission of TRIO.”
Alumni Impact
Central’s Upward Bound alumni include attorneys, school counselors, teachers, nonprofit leaders and superintendents who credit the program with transforming their lives.
Peng Her, 1994 Central graduate, co-founded The Hmong Institute, a nonprofit empowering community through education and health.
“Attending Upward Bound opened up what college was like,” Her says. “It allowed me to meet other students who were first generation, low income and scared. It taught me that I can make it in college.”
“Being on campus took away the fears of what it was like leaving home and living in the dorms, how to make new friends, and what eating in a cafeteria is like,” he added. “I learned where the library was so I could study. I learned what college classes were like so I would not be scared of attending college. These are things you can’t get from a book or from talking to someone. You can only get it from attending Upward Bound where you lived on campus, took classes and met people like yourself so you can learn together.”
Joel Schutte, 1992 Central graduate and retired Southeast Polk School District administrator, recalls nearly leaving on his first day due to shyness.
“Just as I was making the decision to call my mom to pick me up, Eric Jones, a counselor, walked into my room and invited me to walk to the Howdy Picnic,” Schutte says. “After walking to the picnic and spending time with him and the other guys on my floor, I decided I could maybe spend the night and see how I felt in the morning. I stayed that summer and experienced the greatest summer of my life. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a wonderful program. I cannot adequately express what Upward Bound meant to me.”
Trudy Vande Kamp, who earned a bachelor’s degree from University of Iowa and a master’s degree from Emporia State University, says, “Upward Bound was absolutely life-changing for me. I attribute my time at Central’s Upward Bound program to be the most impactful years of my life. I am still close friends with some fellow participants to this day.”
High school students and school counselors may contact Lewis at lewisk@central.edu or call 641-628-7522 for information about the pre-college programs.
Past Upward Bound participants, former tutor counselors and teachers are invited to a reunion this summer. Follow this link to learn more and register for the alumni reunion. https://departments.central.edu/upwardbound/alumni-website
National TRIO Day is Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026.
