Upward Bound Program |
|
Upward Bound Program History The Upward Bound Pre-College Program is the oldest of the Federal TRIO Programs and has been a part of the UAM community since 1979. Upward Bound provides intensive academic and personal support to low-income students, who may also be among the first in their families to consider college. Program services are designed to motivate participants to complete a program of secondary education and to increase their preparation for post-secondary educational study. Students receive instruction in literature, composition, mathematics, science, and foreign language. Program services are scheduled both after school and on Saturdays during the academic year. During the summer students reside on the host college/university campus and attend classes on a full-time basis. VETERANS UPWARD BOUND PROJECTS focus their services on veterans. UPWARD BOUND MATH/SCIENCE PROJECTS provide intensive summer programs to students to prepare them for careers in math and/or science. UAM Upward Bound Program Through comprehensive, holistic, co-curricular and academic programs, the UAM Upward Bound Program provides low income, potential first-generation high school students with the tools necessary to access postsecondary education as full participants. We support students as they push beyond barriers to college access by engaging them in tutoring, mentoring, academic workshops, academic counseling, academic instruction, assistance with standardized testing, life skills workshops, cultural events, college visits, assistance with the college admissions and financial aid processes, financial literacy, information fluency, career exploration, leadership development, and a summer residential program. Program staff strives to understand the realities that today’s students face in an effort to assist our students in charting their individual path to success by nurturing their development through guidance, education and love. Upward Bound is a unique experience that affords our 80 scholars with opportunities they would not have but for the program. Program Components Academic Year Component (Sept-May) During the Academic Year, Upward Bound offers students enrichment/remediation in foreign language, literature, math, science and practice/preparation for standardized test such as PSAT, SAT & ACT. This portion of the program enhances each student's high school experience while preparing them for the college admissions process and the college experience. We offer a academic and life skills sessions which include a variety of topics including career exploration, leadership development, skills enrichment, motivational speakers, and team/community building. A Student Success Plan (SSP) is developed for each scholar based on standardized test scores, grades, career goals, and teacher/tutor recommendations. The SSP is designed to help students improve their academic success and guide future planning. Summer Residential Program (June-July) This six week residential program gives students the opportunity to experience life as a college student. Students live in the residence halls at UAM, participate in academic courses, afternoon activities, career research/externship, cultural events, college tours, life skills workshops, and a host of other enrichment activities. The Summer Residential Program is also a time for scholars to build community, to engage in leadership development, self-esteem/self-development activities and to embrace a college-going, college-success attitude. The Upward Bound Pre-College Program is a supplementary program that enhances the regular high school curriculum at no cost to participants. Upward Bound is a federal TRIO program funded by a 5-year, $336,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The Upward Bound service area includes eight high schools in five of the following southeast Arkansas counties: Ashley, Bradley, Chicot, Desha, and Drew.
The Upward Bound Staff Director: Mrs. Tawana Greene |
