About Us

Our Mission

Cal Lutheran's TRIO Pre-university Programs are dedicated to empowering and supporting underserved students in Ventura County and the South Bay of Los Angeles. Through our comprehensive initiatives — Traditional Upward Bound, Upward Bound Math and Science Center, Upward Bound Centinela Valley Project, and Talent Search — we foster academic excellence, personal growth, and college readiness, enabling students to achieve their higher education goals and become future community leaders.

Our History

Since the programs' inception in 1980 with the Traditional Upward Bound program, Cal Lutheran's TRIO Pre-university initiatives have committed to serving the educational needs of students from low-income and first-generation backgrounds in Ventura County and the South Bay of Los Angeles. Over the decades, our programs have expanded to include the Upward Bound Math and Science Center in 1992, the Upward Bound Centinela Valley Project in 2012, and the Talent Search program in 2016. Each initiative reflects our ongoing dedication to closing the opportunity gap, strengthening our community, and inspiring students to reach their full potential through education and mentorship. In total our programs serve 730 scholars ranging from middle and junior high school to secondary schools in our target areas.

Our Location

The campus of California Lutheran University is just one hour north of Los Angeles, in the city of Thousand Oaks. The campus affords a beautiful and relaxed setting for the summer residential program, within a half hour of both the mountains and beaches. Campus facilities include a well-equipped science center, new Educational Technology Building and Social Sciences building, computer laboratories, library and new North Campus Sports Complex and Arena. Recreational facilities on campus include volleyball and tennis courts, soccer and football fields, and extensive grounds. 

Our Team

Meet the staff