Upward Bound returns to UIU campus
FAYETTE, Iowa (June 27, 2008) -TRIO Upward Bound will once again hold its summer program on the Upper Iowa University Fayette campus for 30 pre-college students through July 11.
"We've held our Upward Bound program at another college in Dubuque in the past, but it was very far away for our students and families to travel," said Katherine Whitsitt, director of the TRIO Upward Bound Calmar program at Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC). "Since changing to Upper Iowa three years ago the experience has been amazing. The staff has been so great in so many ways, for example, helping to coordinate classroom space, providing keys, setting up an account for photocopying, as well as providing other services." She added, "More importantly, Upper Iowa's Student Development staff are wonderful resources and are regularly complimenting and encouraging our students."
Upward Bound provides fundamental support and program opportunities to participants in their preparation for college entrance and success in their precollege performance as well as their higher education pursuits. It serves high school students from low-income, first-generation college families. "It gives these students increased access to resources they may not normally be exposed to and helps the students and their families navigate a system that may seem overwhelming at first," said Whitsitt.
Because the program requires instruction in math, laboratory science, composition, literature or foreign language, the students keep a rigorous schedule. Whitsitt says all of the instructors are certified and teach at local high schools or colleges during the regular school year--Decorah, South Winneshiek, Oelwein, and NICC-which are areas Whitsitt's TRIO grant serves.
Scheduled classes at this year's camp include environmental science, politics, health and wellness, business entrepreneurship, current events, college readiness and a computer applications class. While the students are learning graphic design and yearbook layout, they will also prepare a memory book to take home with them. Other activities include daily study hall and fitness class, and a volleyball clinic.
"This is our fifth year into our program, we have developed an amazing staff and have six of our high school graduates living in residence with this year's students while they take college classes and serve as chaperones and role models," said Whitsitt. Her program tracks the progress of participants and says they are beginning to see results. Whitsitt added, "One of our graduates has come back and is now serving as a residential program staff this year. It's her way of paying back."
For more information on TRIO Upward Bound at Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar campus, contact Whitsitt at 800-728-2256 ext 440, or e-mail whitsittk@portal.nicc.edu.
For more information about Upper Iowa University, go to www.uiu.edu.
Contact:
Sheila Miller
Director of Public Relations
Work - 563-425-5326
Cell - 319-610-7108
Fax - 563-425-5701
millers@uiu.edu
www.uiu.edu