By: Ashley Leidigh
This summer 40 students joined an educational program at the University of Kansas.
Upward Bound, a federally funded program, encourages high school students to enter post-secondary education. The program helps the students develop the skills that are needed to have a successful college career.
Students work in the classroom five days a week to prepare them for college.Photo From: University of Kansas
"This is not just a pre-collegiate program that assists high schoolers," said Mica Slappy, Project Coordinator. "The program also provides assistance in financial aid, parent workshops, FASHA workshops, and we have academic advisors that meet with the student once a month to keep them on track to graduate high school and enter college."
The Upward Bound Summer Program at the University of Kansas prepares high school students academically and socially for college. With a number of different classes offered, each student has an opportunity to bring something special to the classroom.
Upward Bound is one of seven programs under the TRIO umbrella.Photo From: Coenet
The six-week program sparks the student’s curiosity to learn by offering a wide range of courses. Science, Computer Science, Reading, Math, English and career and personal development are available to each student.
The Federal TRIO Programs are an educational opportunity outreach programs designed to motivate and support students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The US Department of Education states "the program provides opportunities for participants to succeed in their precollege performance and ultimately in their higher education pursuits."
US Department of Education Funding Status for Upward Bound
Academic enrichment sessions and weekly tutoring sessions are provided to help the student outside the classroom. Although, tutoring sessions are not required, it is highly encouraged. The tutors are current KU students and meet twice a week with their student(s).
The students get to experience what it is like to be away from home and in college during those six weeks. McCollum and Lewis student halls become their home for the time being. The students are responsible to class on time and also manage their time between the social life and study time.
The students come from Lawrence, but also surrounding areas like Topeka and Kansas City. Students have come from a different background, which enables them to offer something to the program that another student cannot.
The diversity in the program adapts the student to the culture he or she may be exposed to in college. Every student learns that beliefs and thoughts are not going to be the same across the board as they grow. Today being able to understand the difference and how to interact is what is most important.
Image Created By: Ashley LeidighInformation From: Coenet
"All of the students each have their own uniqueness," said Alex Rock, KU student and second year teacher.
After the program is completed, the students return to high school or head to college in the fall. The students and their families seem to find the program beneficial in all aspects, academics or finically.
Next summer, nearly 40 more students will join the program to experience Upward Bound.