The TRIO Upward Bound program has hired Josh Brandsen as its new director in the College of Education at Grand Valley State University.

Previously serving as the assistant director, this is Brandsen’s 12th year in the program and at GVSU. He will take over for director Arnie Smithalexander and will act as an administrator for all of Upward Bound’s after school programs.

“The previous director, Arnie Smithalexander, has been with the program for 37 years, and over the past few years, she allowed me to learn and take responsibility for many aspects of the program,” Brandsen said. “So, I have experience doing most of the roles of the director.”

Upward Bound is a federally-funded program within the U.S. The program is one of a cluster of programs, referred to as TRIO, after the passing of the Higher Education Act of 1965.

GVSU’s Upward Bound program, located in the College of Education department on the Pew Campus, is a college preparation program that serves about a 100 students from the Union High School and Innovation Central High School. Both schools are part of the Grand Rapids Public School District.

Primarily, in regards to building and promoting success, the goal of the program is to help students build upon their academic skills, motivation and self-confidence necessary for a successful transition into college. It also provides opportunities, at no cost, for students to succeed in their high school performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits.

Bonnie Peterson, the office coordinator within the Upward Bound program, provides clinical support to the students, staff and families that she serves. Peterson was trained by Brandsen when she started working in the program last year. Describing it as an integrated role, Peterson said Brandsen helped her learn the ins and outs of interacting with and supporting students.

“Josh is incredibly dedicated to the UB program,” Peterson said. “He has established life-long relationships with our students and is there for them 110 percent, and I am excited that Josh has been named director. He is very capable of continuing the successes of the UB program while maintaining his high level of involvement with our students, families and schools.”

Brandsen indicated the most important parts of the program included the Upward Bound high school classes, test preparation, daily after school tutoring, monthly volunteer projects and a summer residential program.

For him, these events and activities help provide that safe and cohesive learning environment that can and will ultimately encourage students to thrive and seek the power within the world of higher learning.

“I love the UB program, and I love my job because I get the opportunity to work with students all through high school and then keep in contact with them as they go through college,” he said. “I have attended many college graduations of past UB students and although UB is more than an academic program, I don’t have any biological kids, but I feel like a parent with 100 kids because I have the privilege of supporting students with social, family, life issues.”

For more information about the College of Education and about the Upward Bound program, visit www.gvsu.edu/ub.