TRIO Upward Bound - University of Minnesota Duluth Program History
In the 1970s, our Upward Bound program was originally called "Indian Upward Bound" and was led by and served primarily Indigenous communities in Minneapolis Public Schools. The program was initially hosted by the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.
In the 1990s, as the program began admitting more non-Indigenous students, hiring non-Indigenous staff, and transitioned from the Twin Cities to the University of Minnesota Duluth, the name changed to "Upward Bound Vision Quest". The term "Vision Quest" was added to honor the program’s Native roots.
A Vision Quest is a sacred spiritual ceremony practiced by some Indigenous peoples of North America, including but not limited to the Lakota, Dakota, Nakota, and Ojibwe nations. While practices vary by tribe, a Vision Quest is traditionally a rite of passage, often marking the transition into adulthood or a call to spiritual purpose.
Today, we are no longer a majority-Indigenous program, and we do not facilitate traditional Vision Quests. With the changing demographics of our students and staff, it is no longer appropriate to use the term "Vision Quest," as it may be seen as cultural appropriation. Out of respect for the cultural significance of this practice, our program is now named the University of Minnesota Duluth Upward Bound.
However, this program would not exist today without the foundational work of the early 1970s exploration project in Minneapolis Public Schools, which served Native middle school students and led to decades of service to Indigenous youth.
To honor our program’s history, we are committed to continuing to offer Dak̇óta and/or Ojibwemowin language instruction and Native History in Minnesota as part of our summer curriculum for all students.
Today, UMD Upward Bound serves a diverse group of Minneapolis and Duluth high school students who are the first in their families to attend college. Approximately 75% of our students live in Minneapolis and 25% in Duluth. We currently serve students at five high schools: Denfeld High School in Duluth, and Edison, Roosevelt, South, and Wellstone International High School in Minneapolis.
Our program is part of a much longer history of college access efforts at the national level. To learn more about the TRIO Upward Bound history and the efforts that stemmed from the Higher Education Act of 1965, you can read more on the website of the Office of Postsecondary Education.
Contact Us
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (952) 486-3805
Staff
We have an experienced administrative team that runs programming in both Duluth and Minneapolis and a list of dedicated staff overseeing the advising load and student support at high schools in Duluth and Minneapolis.
Administrative Staff
TBD - Director
Calvin Stalvig - Program Coordinator
Kelsey Dooley - Program Admin Support
Denfeld High School
Alyssa Elliott - Academic Advisor
612-709-7112 | [email protected] | [email protected]
My name is Alyssa, and I am the academic advisor at Denfeld High School in Duluth. I attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison for my undergraduate degree where I double majored in Anthropology and History and earned a certificate in Classical Studies. I furthered my studies at the College of St. Scholastica where I obtained my teaching licensure and a Master of Science in education. One of my favorite things about college is that it gave me the confidence to step outside my comfort zone. In my spare time, I hang out with my dogs, taking them on walks on some of Duluth’s many trails. One thing that I would love students to know about me is that I am a first-generation college student and I know the system can seem daunting to navigate at times. That is why I am here though, to assist as they navigate that path and to help equip them with tools of self-advocacy that will serve them throughout their life.
Edison High School
TBD - Academic Advisor
Position vacant
Roosevelt High School
Aimee Vang - Academic Advisor
612-248-5195 | [email protected]
My name is Aimee and I am the academic advisor at Roosevelt in Minneapolis. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stout with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Development and Family Studies in 2019. I am also currently getting my Masters at UW-Stout for Career and Technical Education with a concentration in Administration. I enjoyed my time in college for many different reasons. I was able to make new friends, grow independently, learn and love my culture even more. I especially enjoyed my time studying abroad in Ireland, Scotland and France. During my free time, I love spending time with family, friends and traveling when I can. One of the things that I would like students to know is that I am the youngest out of 8 siblings and I was the first and only child to attend University. I used my siblings as an example to push myself to be different and successful in a different path when I didn’t have anyone to guide me to where I am today. Therefore, I understand the struggles, and the complication of the entire college thought process which is why I am here to be that guide and push students to their best potential.
South High School
Tala Kim - Academic Advisor
612-624-0565 | [email protected]
My name is Tala Kim and I am the Academic Advisor at South High School in Minneapolis. In 2025, I graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science in Anthropology. I loved my time in college because it gave me the opportunity to dive deeper into my own interests, and discover ones I didn’t even know existed! In my free time, I love to read and explore the outdoors with my partner and my dog (preferably at the same time). One thing I’d like students to know about me is that I love growing alongside students as they navigate a momentous and often uncertain time in their lives.
TBD - Student Support Specialist
Position vacant
Wellstone International High School
TBD - Academic Advisor
Position vacant