The Upward Bound Programs at the University of Arkansas have long supported low-income, first-generation high school students in their educational pursuits. These programs aim to enhance college readiness by assisting students in completing their high school education and succeeding in higher education environments.
Residential Summer Programs
A key component of these efforts is the residential summer programs held on the university campus. These programs provide students with the opportunity to live in university residence halls, dine in campus facilities, and attend classes in academic buildings. Keith Brink, Director of the Upward Bound Programs, highlighted that this immersive experience helps build confidence and allows students to envision college as part of their future. The exposure to college life increases the likelihood of these students enrolling and graduating from higher education institutions.
Student Participation and Academic Enrichment
During this summer, 145 students from high schools in Northwest Arkansas participated in the Upward Bound Sophomore Summer and Summer Academy programs. Over five weeks, these students engaged in a variety of classes that included core academics, ACT preparation, and research activities. Elective enrichment courses were also available, such as creative writing, art, theater, chess, and juggling. The academic sessions were conducted by skilled local instructors, guided by Academic Coordinator Vicki Hodges, through a project-based learning approach.
Focus on STEM Education
The focus on STEM education was particularly emphasized, with Gary and LaShall Bates, science faculty at NWACC, leading a hands-on molecular biology course. They also mentored seniors on intensive research projects in collaboration with faculty members from the University of Arkansas’s Membrane Science, Engineering & Technology Center. Senior students were hosted in university labs, gaining practical research experiences.
Research Opportunities and Cultural Activities
Hodges noted the importance of these research opportunities, stating that they equip participants with practical skills necessary for future careers in STEM fields. Besides academic activities, students participated in various cultural and social events. These included attending productions at Theatre Squared, joining social clubs, and embarking on a cultural trip to Kansas City, Missouri. Associate Director Lacey Beth Gebhart, along with two academic advisors and a summer residential team, supervised these activities.
Bridge Program for Recent Graduates
Additionally, 17 recent high school graduates took part in the Upward Bound Bridge program, designed to facilitate their transition from high school to college. This program offered coursework in subjects ranging from chemistry to drawing, held in Hotz Hall, and included work-study experiences on campus to help students develop career skills while earning a stipend. Social activities such as movie nights and family dinners enhanced the sense of community and encouraged the formation of lasting friendships.
Transformative Impact of the Program
Recent graduate Jade Turner described the program as transformative, emphasizing its supportive and familial environment. The Upward Bound program, a federally funded TRIO initiative, provides crucial academic and support services to eligible high school students, preparing them for the challenges of higher education. The University of Arkansas’s Division of Student Affairs continues to commit to student outcomes, promoting community, well-being, and success.
Source: University of Arkansas News