ALVA, Okla. — Jacie Willson, a concurrent high school senior from Alva, Oklahoma, and participant in Northwestern Oklahoma State University’s TRIO Upward Bound Math Science program, received the 2026 TRIO Strong Pre-Collegiate Scholarship. The $200 award comes from the Oklahoma Division of Student Assistance.
The scholarship recognizes a TRIO student for their accomplishments and the impact TRIO has had on their educational journey.
TRIO Strong Pre-Collegiate Scholarship Details
- Recipient: Jacie Willson, concurrent high school senior from Alva, Oklahoma
- Program: Northwestern’s TRIO Upward Bound Math Science program
- Scholarship: 2026 TRIO Strong Pre-Collegiate Scholarship
- Amount: $200
- Awarding organization: Oklahoma Division of Student Assistance
- Recognition: associated with the division’s 2026 Fall Summit, Sept. 28, 2026, at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College in Miami, Oklahoma
Willson’s Upward Bound Experience
Willson plans to attend Northwestern to study microbiology. She has participated in Northwestern’s Upward Bound Math Science program throughout high school. She used the program’s academic, career exploration and college preparation opportunities to help better prepare for her future.
Willson earned the scholarship through the division’s application process, which included an essay about her TRIO experience and educational journey. In her essay, Willson explained how Upward Bound helped her:
- Become more confident
- Develop connections with students from different backgrounds
- Explore careers in medicine
- Pursue college coursework while still in high school
She also described attending an Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics workday hosted by the Perry Initiative. There, she gained hands-on exposure to orthopedic surgery through activities involving casting and suturing.
During her four years in the program, Willson has taken advantage of opportunities designed to prepare students for college, including college and career exploration and concurrent enrollment. She has developed a particular interest in the medical field. She hopes to pursue a career in which she can make a difference in the lives of others.
Through Upward Bound’s support for concurrent enrollment, Willson is expected to have completed six college courses by May 2027. That gives her a significant start toward her college degree before she graduates from high school.
About Northwestern’s Upward Bound Programs
Northwestern’s Upward Bound programs are federally grant-funded programs. They help eligible high school students prepare for and successfully pursue higher education.
The programs place an emphasis on students from low-income families or those who would be among the first generation in their families to earn a college degree. All services, activities, opportunities and resources are completely free to student participants.
Upward Bound offers:
- Academic support
- College and career exploration
- Campus visits
- Leadership development
- Financial literacy
- Summer enrichment opportunities
These give students the knowledge, skills and experiences needed to successfully navigate graduating high school and enrolling in college. The programs encourage academic achievement and personal growth. They also help students build confidence, explore future possibilities and recognize that earning a college degree is an attainable goal.
Learn More About Upward Bound at Northwestern
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Media Contact:
Sean J. Doherty, University Relations Specialist
Email: sjdoherty@nwosu.edu
Phone: 580-327-8480