08/14/2026
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Investing in Potential. Celebrating Purpose. Inspiring the Next Generation.
Throughout the year, the Detroit Association of Black Organizations (DABO) has been honored to partner with TRIO Upward Bound, investing in students through mentorship, life skills development, resource support, and laptop deployment via the Gilbert Family Foundation and United Way grant funded support to help prepare them for success beyond the classroom.
This summer’s journey culminated in an inspiring Awards Ceremony, celebrating the achievements, resilience, and bright futures of these exceptional young scholars.
It was especially meaningful for Dr. K. Snapp, a proud TRIO Upward Bound alumna, to return, not simply as program supporter and facilitator of the Botvin Lifeskills session , but as living proof of what is possible when opportunity meets determination. Sharing in the culminating ceremony was Nailah Ellis, Founder and CEO of Ellis Island Tea, who also once sat in Dr. Snapp’s classroom as a student. Today, she is a nationally recognized entrepreneur, demonstrating the lasting impact that mentorship and education can have across generations.
These moments remind us that the seeds we plant today become the leaders, innovators, and changemakers of tomorrow.
“The greatest measure of mentorship is not how many people follow in your footsteps, but how many discover the courage to create paths of their own—and one day return to inspire those coming behind them,” says Dr. Snapp
Congratulations to every TRIO Upward Bound student recognized this year. DABO remains committed to ensuring that every young person has access to the guidance, opportunities, and support they need to thrive.
