Trio Upward | Legacies LLC

TRIO Upward Bound

The mission of Chesapeake College’s TRIO Upward Bound program—to empower motivated high school students from Caroline, Kent, and Talbot Counties with college and career readiness skills—resonates deeply with the vision of Bridging Legacies Across Campuses (BLAC). While Upward Bound provides tutoring, workshops, and immersive field experiences to help students navigate the path to higher education, BLAC complements this journey by fostering inclusive leadership, academic belonging, and culturally responsive mentorship.

BLAC’s foundation is rooted in supporting BIPOC students and families, yet its programming—ranging from readiness checklists and DEIB engagement toolkits to storytelling initiatives—serves all communities striving for equity and access. Together, these efforts reinforce the idea that student success is not only academic but also deeply communal, shaped by visibility, support, and intentional engagement.

By collaborating with Upward Bound leaders like Mark Berry, Jr. and the broader TRIO network, BLAC can help ensure that college exploration and preparation efforts reflect the full diversity of today’s learners. This partnership can amplify student voice, expand culturally relevant programming, and build bridges that make higher education more inclusive, more intentional, and more attainable for generations to come.

Inclusivity is foundational to a thriving school community.

The Strengthening Our Community: TRIO Upward Bound & BLAC – Getting to Know You Form is part of a collaborative effort to better understand the lived experiences, aspirations, and needs of the students and families we serve. Your insights will help us shape programming that is culturally responsive, equity-centered, and rooted in authentic community connection. By sharing your voice, you help ensure that every student—especially those navigating systemic barriers—feels seen, supported, and empowered to succeed. All responses are anonymous, and your honest feedback is deeply valued.

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Getting to know you form

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Storytelling & Visibility

BLAC amplifies diverse student and alumni voices through its BIPOC Spotlights series and Our Faces Our Voices podcast—platforms that celebrate real-world stories of resilience, leadership, and identity. In partnership with TRIO Upward Bound, these narratives serve as powerful tools to inspire students and build confidence among families navigating the path to college and beyond, especially those historically underrepresented in higher education.

Speaking Engagements

Through compelling keynotes, interactive webinars, and the Our Faces Our Voices podcast, BLAC—alongside TRIO Upward Bound—creates spaces where equity-driven insights are transformed into inspiration and action. These platforms uplift student and family voices, offering practical guidance and affirming narratives that support college readiness and inclusive leadership.

Community Building

Through social media campaigns and alumni networks like #blacksuccessfromehs, BLAC—alongside TRIO Upward Bound—cultivates a powerful sense of connection, pride, and visibility for students and families often underrepresented in school communities. These efforts celebrate lived experiences and affirm that every student’s journey matters.

DEIB Consulting & Curriculum

BLAC, in collaboration with TRIO Upward Bound, provides actionable DEIB tools—including custom modules, strategy briefs, and workshop-ready slide decks—that help schools and college access programs deepen inclusive family engagement. These resources move beyond surface-level outreach to foster meaningful, equity-centered connections with students and their families.

Admissions & Career Support

BLAC offers practical guidance—from admissions consulting to résumé templates and interview coaching—that helps students and families navigate applications and early career decisions with clarity and confidence. These resources are designed to center equity and ensure every learner is equipped to pursue their goals with purpose and support.

Readiness Programs & Mentorship

Through personalized mentorship and grade-transition checklists, BLAC equips families with the tools to confidently navigate key academic and emotional milestones. These supports help reduce uncertainty around high school and college readiness while fostering a sense of belonging and preparedness.