Central College’s TRIO Upward Bound program is celebrating 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, which are federal outreach initiatives designed to support low-income, first-generation college students and individuals with disabilities from middle school through post-graduate programs. 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. After 60 years at Central, Director of TRIO Pre-College Programs Kristin Lewis reports that 79% of participants continue their education beyond high school. Central’s Upward Bound alumni include attorneys, school counselors, teachers, nonprofit leaders, and superintendents who credit the program with transforming their lives.

High school students and school counselors can 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 on Thursday, July 2nd. To learn more and/or register for the alumni reunion, find a link here.