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The Alvin Community College Upward Bound program took a moment to celebrate student achievement during their annual recognition dinner on July 15.

Upward Bound seeks to motivate low-income and/or potential first-generation college students and help them develop the skills they need to complete secondary education and succeed at the postsecondary educational institution of their choice. The purpose of the program is to build confidence and self-esteem, while providing the necessary tools and guidance to foster academic success.

“I am incredibly proud of our students and all they have achieved,” said Cherilyn Brooks, Upward Bound director. “Upward Bound is a truly life-changing program that opens doors to a brighter future.”

The federally-funded program is created by the Department of Education and works with Alvin High School students. Upward Bound students receive tutoring for their classes; take campus tours of Texas colleges; participate in academic and athletic competitions as well as receive help applying for college and financial aid.

“When I think back to how I first got involved with Upward Bound, it feels like I blinked—and suddenly I was attending events, visiting universities I had only dreamed of, and becoming part of a community that believed in me,” said Topacio Sanchez, the guest speaker for the event. “What I did not realize then was just how profoundly this program would shape my life.”

At ACC, 97 percent of Upward Bound students post a GPA of 2.5 or higher and 57 percent go on to complete a postsecondary degree or certificate.

The 2025 graduates from Upward Bound were: Miguel Arredondo, Galilea Castillo, Ruth Delapaz, Samuel Fernandez, Yunnuen Gallegos, Yesika Garcia, Federico Gonzalez, Brody Gonzalez, Kailyn Green, Alessandra Guerrero, Lendy Guevara, Ruben Gutierrez, Ruben Yaritza Ibarra, Jocelyn Leija, Valerie Mendez, Natalie Mendoza, Camila Ospina, Carlos Ramos, Valeria Rangel, Annalise Salazar, Jayden Saldana and Kirra Turpin.