The Upward Bound team is excited to meet and welcome new and returning students to the SAEOPP Upward Bound Program. Our experienced and hardworking team strives to provide the best services to our participants. We can’t wait to get to connect and interact with all of our participants, as we explore their college and career goals.

If you have any questions or need any additional information about our program, please feel free to reach out to our staff. For more contact information, visit our CONTACT US section on our website.

Dr. John L. Mason
Director
jmason@saeopp.org
404-449-0810

John L. Mason, Ph. D. is a champion and ambassador for student empowerment, whose passion is helping young people realize that “their dreams can become a reality”. Dr. Mason currently serves as the Director for the SAEOPP Upward Bound Programs.  Upward Bound’s goal is to provide low-income and/or first-generation high school students assistance in their academic pursuits in high school and postsecondary education.

Mason holds a bachelor’s degree in History and Government from Cornell University, a master’s degree in Instructional Design American Intercontinental University (AIU) and a Ph. D. in Educational Leadership from Mercer University.

Mason still loves to read books made of paper, is an avid bowler, loves photography, and believes himself to be a home “Iron Chef”.

Assistant Director – Meadowcreek High School

Ms. Akeisha Simmons
Program Administrative Specialist
asimmons@saeopp.org
404-960-4260

Akeisha Simmons was born and raised in Atlanta, GA.  Ms. Simmons graduated from North Clayton Highschool in 2005 and then attended Savannah State University.  She is currently attending The University of phoenix, to obtain her degree in Business Administration.  Akeisha has over 11 years of experience with clerical work.  She has now dedicated herself as the program administrative specialist for SAEOPP upward bound and continues to expand her knowledge with the Trio family.  Her hobbies are traveling, cooking, volunteer work and spending time with her family.

Mr. TJ Smith
Assistant Director – Berkmar High School
tjsmith@saeopp.org

T.J. Smith was born in Atlanta, GA and raised in Lawrenceville. He attended Berkmar High school where he was the Captain of the football and basketball teams. Upon graduating from Berkmar, he received a full athletic scholarship to attend Clark Atlanta University, where he played quarterback and served as a team captain. Smith  earned a bachelor’s degree in Mass Media Arts with a concentration in Film & Television. After graduating from Clark Atlanta University, Smith started a career in the sports industry serving as an advisor and consultant to amateur and professional athletes. He made the transition from the sports industry to education in 2019.

Mr. Smith currently serves at the Assistant Director of the SAEOPP Upward Bound Programs at Berkmar High School. As an alum of Berkmar, he takes extreme pride in serving the students of the program who walk the same hallways as he once did. 

Mr. Smith is married to Fraderica Smith and the couple has 1 son (Third Smith). Smith is a true sports fanatic, enjoys traveling, and spending time with his family and friends.