What is the TRIO Program at DVC?
Want help getting ready for college, figuring out your next steps or reaching your goals after high school? TRIO at Diablo Valley College is here for you. Our free programs, Educational Talent Search (ETS) and Upward Bound (UB), support eligible middle school and high school students with college planning, school success and career exploration.
TRIO programs support low-income, first-generation students from Mt. Diablo Unified School District to prepare for college by participating in ETS and/or UB.
- Educational Talent Search (ETS): year-round academic, college readiness support and career exploration
- Upward Bound (UB): year-round additional intensive college prep support for eligible students and financial literacy workshops
What is TRIO Educational Talent Search (ETS)?
TRIO ETS provides free support to help students stay on track, graduate and plan for college.
What Services Does ETS Provide?
ETS support may include:
- Academic advising and goal setting
- College exploration and campus visits
- Career exploration and major planning
- Help with financial aid and FAFSA / CA Dream Act
- Scholarship search support
- Workshops for students and families
- Study skills and time management strategies
- College application guidance
- Minimum two advisor meetings per semester
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- Attend a service HS or reside in the service area
- Grades 6-12 or are between the ages of 11 and 27
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- First-generation and/or low-income
- Agree to commit to actively participate in year-round program activities
- Complete a TRIO ETS application
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Participating High Schools
- Mt. Diablo
- Ygnacio Valley
Participating Middle Schools
- Riverview
- Oak Grove
- El Dorado
ETS has supported my college and career goals through workshops, regular check-ins, opportunities to connect and learn from others, campus visits, summer programs and helping me become comfortable in a college environment like DVC.
TIFFANY K, 6th grade Student
What is TRIO Upward Bound (UB)?
TRIO Upward Bound (UB) is an intensive college preparation program that provides additional support to eligible high school students from low-income and first-generation families at Mt. Diablo, Concord, and Ygnacio Valley High Schools, helping them graduate from high school and successfully enroll in and complete college.
What Services Does UB Provide?
UB services may include:
- Academic tutoring
- College readiness workshops
- Advising and mentoring
- Support with college applications
- Summer and academic-year programming
- Financial aid guidance
- College tour
- Career exploration
- Financial literacy
- Advisor meetings once a week
- Saturday Academies
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- Attend a service HS or reside in the service area
- Grades 9-12 or high school age
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- First-generation and low-income
- Agree to commit to actively participate in year-round program activities
- Complete a TRIO UB application
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- Mt. Diablo
- Concord
- Ygnacio Valley
DVC gave me a good first step into post-secondary education and Upward Bound provided support that gave me the confidence to pursue college and challenge myself as a first-generation student."
JOSHUA L, 12th grade student
Ready to Get Started?
- Email us at dvcupwardbound@dvc.edu to receive the Preliminary Screening Questionnaire in English or Spanish for eligibility.
- If you qualify and wish to apply, email us at the same address to request the recommendation form, and have your teachers complete it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Educational Talent Search (ETS) provides general college and career readiness support for eligible middle and high school students.
Upward Bound (UB) provides additional structured college prep programming for eligible high school students.
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Yes. TRIO ETS and UB services are free for eligible students.
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No. TRIO ETS and UB support students before college, while they are still in middle school or high school.
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Yes. ETS and UB can help students and families understand financial aid, including FAFSA and the CA Dream Act and scholarship search.
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Yes. TRIO programs highly encourage, and at times require, attendance often including family support, workshops and resources.
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Response is between 24 to 48 hours. If you want a faster update, contact the TRIO team directly.
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Apply or contact us — we can help you determine eligibility.
| Family Size | 48 Contiguous States | D.C. and Outlying Jurisdictions | Alaska & Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $23,475 | $29,325 | $26,985 |
| 2 | $31,725 | $39,645 | $36,480 |
| 3 | $39,975 | $49,965 | $45,975 |
| 4 | $48,225 | $60,285 | $55,470 |
| 5 | $56,475 | $70,605 | $64,965 |
| 6 | $64,725 | $80,925 | $74,460 |
| 7 | $72,975 | $91,245 | $83,955 |
| 8 | $81,225 | $101,565 | $93,450 |
| Each additional family member | $5,500 | $6,880 | $6,330 |