Students at The Empire State Building, Thanks to AIM Institute’s TRIO Program
Upward Bound is part of AIM’s Youth Academies, which offers life-changing, intensive learning experiences designed to help students reach their full personal, academic and professional potential. Upward Bound is a college preparatory program funded through TRIO and the Department of Education to prepare first-generation high school students for college.
Through Upward Bound, students from Bryan, Thomas Jefferson, Papillion LaVista South and Papillion LaVista Monarch High Schools visited New York City in April for a memorable trip across the city and a campus visit to Fordham University. This experience was transformative for the students.
During the trip, students toured iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Empire State Building. They also explored the Theatre District, Little Italy and Chinatown neighborhoods and attended a Broadway show. Beyond sightseeing, the journey fostered personal growth, boosted their confidence to travel independently and strengthened friendships among peers.
Naty Ledesma, AIM Upward Bound Site Coordinator for Thomas Jefferson High School, and Upward Bound Student Laisha Rascon Bencomo with her graduation certificate.
In May, the AIM Institute TRIO Upward Bound team proudly celebrated 42 graduating seniors alongside their families, bringing together over 130 attendees for a night of recognition, joy and inspiration!
These incredible students are part of AIM’s Youth Academies and represent the following area high schools: Omaha Bryan, Papillion LaVista South, Papillion LaVista Monarch and Thomas Jefferson. All of them will be attending college this fall—and 98% are first-generation college-bound students! The 42 graduating seniors have received over $3 million in total financial aid and scholarship offers, 12 students have received the Buffet Scholarship to attend a Nebraska university. This funding is critical to eliminating financial barriers for first-generation college-going students and helps limit the amount of debt they incur to attend college.
This year, we introduced a new honor: the TRIO Senior Leadership Award, recognizing students from each school for their outstanding leadership, community involvement, dedication, and compassion.
🏆 2025 TRIO Senior Leadership Award Recipients: Emely Gomez Jose, Tucker Reed, Adreana Logan, Kassandra Salas Perez
Congratulations, seniors, we can’t wait to see what you achieve next!