2024 National TRIO Achiever Award Recipient Antjuan Seawright

Originally broadcast on Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Antjuan Seawright’s journey from the small rural town of Swansea, South Carolina, to becoming a respected political strategist and commentator is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of TRIO Upward Bound. Growing up as the grandson of sharecroppers in a community where poverty was the norm and educational attainment was far from guaranteed, Seawright was acutely aware of the challenges ahead. In a town where more than 40 percent of students did not graduate on time, if at all, and where race, class, and circumstance often dictated one’s future, the odds were stacked against him. However, in 2000, as a freshman at Swansea High School, Seawright’s life took a pivotal turn when he entered the Midlands Technical College Upward Bound Program. Through Upward Bound, Seawright received the preparation, mentoring, and encouragement he needed to succeed. The program provided him with role models who had faced similar challenges and obstacles and had overcome them. They showed him that college was a possibility and instilled in him the belief that with hard work and the right support, it could be a reality. This newfound belief in his potential opened up a world of opportunities Seawright had never imagined. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing from Winthrop University in 2008, followed by a Master of Business Administration from Webster University. Seawright furthered his education at the Governor Dick Riley Institute at Furman University and the Congressional Black Caucus Institute for Political Education and Leadership Training in Washington, DC. Significant achievements have marked Seawright’s career. He has advised local, state, and national campaigns across America, including the 2008 and 2016 Presidential campaigns for Hillary Clinton. His insights and expertise have contributed to national publications and appearances as a political analyst on major news outlets such as CBS and The Washington Post. By any measure, Seawright has found success, both professionally and personally. At the heart of his journey is the foundational support he received from Upward Bound. The program not only changed the trajectory of his life but also equipped him with the tools to create opportunities for others. Seawright’s story is a compelling example of how TRIO can transform the lives of students from disadvantaged backgrounds, empowering them to achieve their dreams and make meaningful contributions to society.