(Clarksdale, Mississippi) —The Upward Bound program recognized graduating seniors during recent senior night celebrations at partner high schools and awarded eight Summer Bridge Scholarships to support students entering college.
The federally funded TRIO program serves first-generation and college-bound students across the Mississippi Delta by helping participants strengthen academic skills, build confidence, prepare for college, and explore career pathways. The program currently serves students from Clarksdale High School, Coahoma County High School, Madison Shannon Palmer High School, and Northside High School.
Throughout the academic year, Coahoma Community College Upward Bound provides a range of academic and enrichment services, including after-school tutoring, Saturday Academies, academic enrichment activities, college and career readiness workshops, ACT preparation, college tours, cultural experiences, and mentoring opportunities. Students also receive guidance with financial aid, college admissions, scholarship preparation, and career exploration.
The recent senior night celebrations gave Upward Bound staff an opportunity to recognize graduating seniors for their persistence, academic growth, leadership, and postsecondary plans. During the celebrations, eight students were awarded Summer Bridge Scholarships to attend summer school at Coahoma Community College.
The Summer Bridge Scholarship recipients are Jamieon Thomas and Makayla Wilson of Clarksdale High School; Ta’kiaya McNut and Mackenzie Riley of Madison Shannon Palmer High School; Jessiekah Hand and Shunmetria Allen of Coahoma County High School; and Markela Horn and Amya Reynolds of Northside High School.
The Summer Bridge opportunity is designed to help graduating seniors begin their college experience with academic support, campus engagement, and early exposure to college-level expectations. Several of this year’s scholarship recipients have also chosen to continue their education at Coahoma Community College this fall. “These seniors have worked hard, stayed committed, and taken important steps toward their future,” said April Campbell-Love, director of Upward Bound. “The Summer Bridge Scholarship gives them an opportunity to begin their college journey with support, confidence, and a strong connection to Coahoma Community College.”
Upward Bound is one of the federal TRIO programs created to expand educational access for students who are preparing to become the first in their families to earn a college degree. Through academic instruction, advising, mentoring, and exposure to college and career opportunities, the program helps students prepare for success beyond high school.
Coahoma Community College’s Upward Bound program remains committed to empowering students through education, leadership development, college readiness, and meaningful support systems that help students throughout the Mississippi Delta prepare for higher education and future careers.
About Coahoma Community College
Founded in 1949, Coahoma Community College is a public, comprehensive, historically Black community college serving the heart of the Mississippi Delta. Coahoma offers Associate of Arts degrees, Associate of Applied Science degrees, and specialized certificates across dozens of diverse academic and career pathways. Located on a 99-acre campus in Clarksdale, Mississippi, the College is celebrating 77 years of academic excellence. In addition to its affordable tuition and generous scholarship opportunities, Coahoma has earned widespread recognition in nursing and health sciences, career-technical education, and university transfer programs. Outside of the classroom, students are involved in competitive NJCAA athletics as well as a variety of organizations and clubs, including student government, the celebrated college choir, and the renowned Marching Maroon Typhoon Band.