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Upward Bound helps ensure promising students are college-bound

More than 1,600 qualified high school students have been encouraged and given the tools to pursue a college education by UD’s Upward Bound programs since 1966. This year’s program included (from left) Dejah Tolliver, Priscilla Merino, Sarah Hubbs, Resident Assistant Elizabeth Snyder, Resident Assistant Nikita Batavia and Alicia Brown. Photo courtesy of Upward Bound
1:45 p.m., Aug 20, 2003--Thanks to the Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math/Science programs at UD, over the years, more than 1,600 qualified high school students have been encouraged and given the tools to pursue a college education, according to Lin Gordon, director of UD’s Academic Services Center. The students must show academic promise, be potential first-generation college students and meet income requirements.

One measure of the success of the programs is that more than 85 percent continue their education after high school, Gordon said, many choosing to attend UD and others going on to other schools.

Upward Bound, started in 1966 and coordinated by Sandra Hargrove, and Upward Bound Math/Science, started in 1992 and coordinated by Susan Harmon, are TRIO Programs, funded by the U.S. Department of Education. These are designed to help underrepresented students apply, matriculate and graduate from college, as well as consider going on to graduate school.

The basic goals of Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math/Science are to provide a strong academic foundation and to help participants apply to and succeed in college, according to Gordon. The programs recruit students based on recommendations by teachers, guidance counselors and others.

Lin Gordon is director of UD’s Academic Services Center. Photo by Duane Perry

This summer, approximately 45 students in each program took part in structured, residential programs on the Newark campus, going home on weekends. During the school year, the students receive tutoring and academic counseling and attend workshops. “We give the students a jump start on preparing for college and reinforce what they are learning in school,” Gordon said.

There are some differences in the two programs. Upward Bound runs for five weeks in the summer, offers a general curriculum, including Spanish, and is open to New Castle County residents. Upward Bound Math/Science is a six-week program that focuses on math and science where students are learners and researchers, doing hands-on projects such as building bridges and rockets. They study Latin, which helps them prepare for taking SATs. The program is open to students from the entire state of Delaware and adjoining areas in Pennsylvania and Maryland.

There have been changes over the years, according to Gordon. “We have added computer technology to the program as it has become available. For example, the students used to do skits to highlight what they have learned, and now they do PowerPoint presentations,” she said.

Another change has been the formation of a parent ambassador program. “These are parents who have had students in the program—some have had as many as three,” Gordon said. “They are available to talk to parents of new students during the summer about such concerns as homesickness, making new friends and adjusting to campus life.”

UD’s Upward Bound programs began with an Outward Bound outdoor adventure, where students roughed it and met physical challenges, such as walking high ropes and rock climbing. More importantly, they learned to know and trust each other and program staff. Photo courtesy of Upward Bound
One of the important parts of both programs is forming a sense of community among the students. The programs began with an Outward Bound experience during which the students roughed it and met physical challenges, such as high ropes and rock climbing. More importantly, they learned to know and trust each other and program staff. The students also take part in cultural events, and this year visited Philadelphia for a historical walking tour, Gordon said.

The sense of community continues after the students leave the program. “Many of our students come back to help with the program, and many keep in touch with us about the milestones in their lives. We hear about their jobs, are invited to their weddings and get to hold their babies. Many have done fabulously well, such as talk show host and author Bertice Berry, and have told us how important and influential the programs have been in their lives. Many of those who take a different road and do not finish college tell us they intend to in the future, and several of them do,” Gordon said.

The programs end each summer with closing ceremonies. “It’s an emotional time. We give awards, share with the parents the accomplishments of their students and also present a slide show of the summer’s highlights. The parents are amazed and pleased at the experiences and opportunities we offer their children,” Gordon said.

Article by Sue Moncure

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