Upward Bound Program Continues to Motivate

2-12-96

University Park, Pa. --When Jocelyn Maddox started thinking about college, she looked at schools close to her home in Steelton, "but I didn't really think at all about Penn State." Jocelyn remembers. All that changed when she was accepted into Penn State's Upward Bound Program.

Upward Bound provides academic support programs for low-income, first generation college-bound students throughout the year, including an intensive, six-week residential summer program . "Upward Bound motivated me to think of really going to college," says Jocelyn. "The program helped me to prepare for what would be ahead."

The Upward Bound Program at Penn State has been providing services since 1968 and recently received a grant of $1,466,806 from the U.S. Department of Education to continue through 1996. "Under this grant, our Upward Bound Program serves 120 students each year from eight target high schools in central Pennsylvania -- Clearfield Area, Indian Valley, Moshannon Valley, Mount Union Area, Philipsburg-Osceola Senior, Southern Huntingdon County, Steelton-Highspire and West Branch Area High Schools," says Maureen Mulderig, program director.

One Saturday a month during the academic year, students attend activities at University Park, which are directed by Mike Coffey, special projects coordinator. "Saturday campus sessions include motivating educational and cultural activities to prepare students for college -- such as seeing a play, touring research labs and participating in career and college fairs," says Mulderig. "In addition to these activities, Penn State undergraduates studying to be high school teachers will design and present creative mini-lessons in writing, math, science, foreign languages and study skills to Upward Bound students."

During the six-week academic session on campus, students live in the residence halls and take classes that will help them during the next year. Students also get tutoring in their high school courses, explore careers, identify their own strengths, enjoy cultural events, build up their social skills and become comfortable in a college campus environment. They are also helped through the processes of applying to college and seeking financial aid.

"Without Upward Bound, I would not have made it," says Jocelyn. "I became pregnant and wasn't able to attend the summer session, but they sent materials to work on and helped me with my Penn State application. Without them I would not be here."

"This is what Upward Bound is all about, proving academic and personal support to motivate and prepare these students to be the first in their families to attend college," says Dean Howard Wray III, associate dean for undergraduate education and academic assistance programs. "The Penn State program is highly successful because it focuses on getting students actively involved in learning and helps them develop problem solving skills."

Upward Bound has been able to track 134 of 137 graduates from the classes of 1990-95. More than 90 percent of these Upward Bound alumni are attending the college or university of their choice, and half are at Penn State.

"Upward Bound is an excellent program. If it weren't for this program, I don't think I would be here at Penn State," says Sharia Davenport, also from Steelton. "I knew college was no joke and that if I wanted to succeed, I was going to have to get my act together. Upward Bound has helped me do just that." >

Nancy A. Williams

(814) 865-7517

(814) 234-6022

naw3@psu.edu

Christy Rambeau

(814) 865-7517

(814) 237-9046

cmr7@psu.edu