UA Little Rock Upward Bound

Congratulations to AASAP President Ulonda Frazier on completing the Executive Leadership Institute (ELI)!

President Frazier participated in this transformative program, hosted by the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE), which brings together incoming presidents of TRIO state and chapter associations. They started their class at the University of Kansas last fall participating in an engaging comprehensive campus experience, followed by a months-long case study where they collaborate with seasoned TRIO leaders to develop effective strategies for addressing the challenges faced by college access and success professionals.

Yesterday, they presented their case study at COE’s annual Leadership Summit. Congratulations Ulonda! 🎉

Congratulations to our very own Billy Ray Huggins!!!!!

🎉 Leadership Announcement | SWASAP 54th Annual Conference

We are thrilled to announce that Billy Ray Huggins has been elected as the President-Elect of the Southwest Association of Student Assistance Programs (SWASAP) at the 54th Annual Conference in Houston, Texas, held November 2–5, 2025.

Billy Ray will serve a three-year term and proudly represent SWASAP on the Council for Opportunity in Education - COE Board of Directors.

He currently serves as the TRIO Associate Director (Upward Bound, Educational Talent Search, and Educational Opportunity Center) at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and is a Past President of the Arkansas TRIO Association.

Please join us in congratulating Billy Ray on this well-deserved achievement! His unwavering commitment to TRIO, student access, and educational equity continues to inspire professionals across the region.

Congratulations, Billy Ray — we know you’ll lead with vision, heart, and that signature pride!

# OklahomaTRIO # TexasTRIO

AASAP leadership met with Senator Tom Cotton’s office this morning to discuss the continuing uncertainty facing TRIO programs. We addressed the challenges programs are experiencing due to delayed GANs and highlighted the important work our Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement programs are doing across the state.

Continue calling Congress and let them know that !

AASAP members: If you have not yet received your GAN, please let us know (you should recieve an email with more information shortly). We want to make sure we are doing everything we can to advocate for you!

Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865 - the day enslaved African Americans in Texas were informed of their freedom, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Today is a time to REFLECT, LEARN, and UNITE. Happy Juneteenth Everyone!

Our students participated in a Financial Literary Workshop where they gained valuable knowledge to help them build strong financial futures!
They learned about the importance of checking and savings accounts, how to maintain a healthy credit score, and the risks of using check cashing places.
Workshops like these empower our students with real-life skills that will serve them for years to come.

Upward Bound had a great time touring the campus of Henderson State University! Our students received valuable information and enjoyed the experience. Thank you, HSU, for the warm welcome and informative visit!

If your family’s financial situation has changed since you submitted your FAFSA® form, you may be eligible for an aid adjustment.

StudentAid.gov/help-center/answers/article/what-if-my-family-s-financial-situation-has-changed

ACT BootCamp Success!
Our students did an excellent job at the ACT BootCamp. The bootcamp provided valuable tips and strategies that should help boost their ACT scores if they apply them.
Keep up the great work, everyone!

Week 1 of the TRIO Upward Summer Component was a success!
Our students actively participated in both academic and elective classes. Today, they also gave back to the community by volunteering at the Arkansas Food Bank. We’re so proud of their dedication and service!

We know —these programs have long been vital in supporting and low-income students. Despite their proven success, these programs face potential federal budget cuts, threatening the support systems many students rely on. Dr. Stephanie J. Bannister, vice president of the FirstGen Forward Network, emphasizes that TRIO's impact extends beyond data; it cultivates resilience and empowerment. Read about 's support for the preservation and strengthening of TRIO programs in this month's at bit.ly/Advocate_June25.