What are
the benefits and services provided by UB?
UB services are provided through two components:
- Academic-Year Sessions
- Summer Sessions
Both the academic-year services and the residential summer sessions are cost free to the student.
Considering all of the services provided, Upward Bound participants receive a “Service Scholarship” valued at more than $4,800 per year.
ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT:
Assessment
Each participant completes an Individual Action Plan (IAP) upon program entry that helps define specific need areas.
Academic Support
The academic enrichment offered participants throughout high school enables them to stay ahead of their school work. Upward Bound staff travel to meeting centers in area schools on a weekly basis during the academic year. Tutoring is provided by Truman State University students under the direct supervision of the Associate Director. Many University and Upward Bound resources are accessible for research or homework assignments such as reference books, graphing calculators and laptop computers.
UB is committed to assuring that UB students are technologically competitive. Consequently, technology is maintained at a level that is compatible with University standards; and educational technology is made available for teachers, tutors, and participants to integrate into the learning environment. In addition, participants have access to Truman's state-of-the-art resources such as science labs, computer labs, and foreign language learning labs.
Thematic workshops that contribute to the success of participants are provided both during the summer and academic-year based upon participant needs. Topics include financial aid, completing senior paperwork, dealing with stress, organizational skills, dealing with anger, etc.
During the summer session enriching core curriculum is provided in English, math, science and foreign language. Students are placed in classes based upon their interest, abilities, courses completed during the previous academic year and courses anticipated in the next academic year.
An intensive ACT prep course is provided during the summer session. Students receive a free simulated pre-test to determine areas needing improvement and then a free simulated post-test at the end of summer. UB provides registration fee waivers for juniors and seniors registering for the first ACT and SAT.
College Preparation
UB prepares participants for college through academic support, college readiness workshops, completing entry paperwork, financial aid assistance, college visits and career mentoring. UB also assists in obtaining college application fee waivers at cooperating colleges. A Senior Seminar is provided in the spring of each year to help finalize enrollment for college entry after graduation.
Scholarship Opportunities
Upward Bound participants who achieve and persist through high school graduation become eligible to apply for a Bridge scholarship. The Bridge scholarship provides tuition, room and board, books and supplies, tutoring, transitional services, etc. for up to six credit hours at Truman State University the summer following high school graduation.
CAREER ENRICHMENT:
Motivational Speakers & Role Models
During the Summer Session various professionals hold discussions with UB participants. Successful college students are selected as residence hall staff to provide excellent role models and residential supervision for students. These mentors often talk about the steps they had to take to get from high school to where they are professionally, including the need to establish and work toward goals.
College/Career Trips
College trips are provided both during the summer and academic year. Trips to colleges of interest to participants are provided to acquaint students with various college campuses. Students are encouraged to ask questions at each college to help determine what college will best help them along the path of their career goals.
Career Internships
UB’s realizes that some students feel the dilemma of needing to work during the summer while still receiving services from UB. UB also realizes the importance of gaining work-related skills and aptitudes. Thus, during the summer session, participants can choose between taking afternoon workshops or working with a professional in their career field. Upon completion of approximately a 30 hour internship and a career class, students receive a stipend for approximately $300. Students also complete a professional quality resume while completing the internship.
Career Exploration
UB provides participants with the means to dream and determine how to achieve those dreams. Using a career inventory and internet resources, participants match personal characteristics with possible careers. This class also provides a fun way of helping to decide which career will support participants’ desired lifestyles and income levels. Talk about a reality check!
SOCIAL ENRICHMENT:
Social Development
Being in Upward Bound provides endless opportunities for social enrichment. Since it services fourteen high schools, participants regularly interact with students from other communities. Living in the residence hall during the summer session helps UBers become one big family. Participants are taught appropriate dress and body language, public and conversational speaking, behavior, hygiene, and etiquette so that they can feel comfortable in a variety of social situations. It also provides an environment where there are people from all types of social backgrounds; and participants have to learn how to interact with them appropriately, especially in the dining hall, classroom, administration buildings, and the recreation center.
Leadership Development
During the summer session students have ample opportunities for leadership development. Student representatives are chosen by the student body for positions on various leadership committees. Students represent the program well by earning accolades as speakers, student leaders, scholars and entertainers.
CULTURAL ENRICHMENT:
Taste and Refinement
Educational field trips include visits to historical landmarks, museums, theatres, amusement parks, upscale stores, and fine restaurants. This exposes participants to elements of culture that would not likely be a part of their everyday life. These exposures add a new dimension to their ability to negotiate the world around them.
A semi-formal banquet is held at the end of the summer session. Students have the opportunity to use their polished social skills--appropriate dress, conversational speaking, and etiquette. Student speakers present the culmination of their UB experiences to their UB peers, faculty, staff, selected school personnel, community and University mentors and University administration. Awards are provided in a variety of areas including GPA performance, ACT performance, All-Around UBer, Congeniality, Bridge Leadership and Outstanding Bridger.
Performing Arts
Every summer participants produce a stage performance. Participants are placed by interest in drama, vocal music, or dance. Students have the opportunity to emcee, operate lights and run the sound equipment. The annual stage performance is before an audience of family, friends, school officials, and community members in Baldwin Auditorium on the Truman campus.
