Incoming freshmen are given a chance
An academic summer program that gives low-income, first-generation college students a chance to experience life on campus and build strong study skills before the start of the fall semester will begin next month. ISU’s Upward Bound program will take place on campus this summer from June 16 through August 9.
The students will live on campus and receive free meals through the USDA for the duration of the program.
“The primary focus is to help low-income, first-generation college students break out of the poverty cycle, which means graduating high school and then moving on to a four year college,” said Maria Lemos, a four-year tutor and mentor with Upward Bound. “It’s really a personable program to help the students feel like they can do it.”
She said her role was to tutor students and “to help grow their self-esteem and have someone they can talk to.”
Last summer, 65 students participated in the Summer Upward Bound program. Upward Bound is a federally-funded program for recent high school graduates who hope to be the first generation in their family to obtain a four-year degree, according to the program’s website.
Lemos said the goal of Upward Bound is “letting them know that [getting a four year degree] is possible. First generation students don’t typically know what resources are available to them.”
Lemos, who graduated in 2012 with a social work degree, helped students adjust to college life during the summer and aided them academically during the school year. She said Upward Bound also helps students while they’re in high school.
“The goal while they’re in high school is to help them graduate,” said Lemos. “They do study hall sessions. Mentors check in during the school year.”
Participating students will enroll in three classes, each attended every day. In the afternoon, students will have a study session where they learn study skills and test preparation. They will also learn time management and other necessary skills for college life.
“They take courses that will help them fulfill the current goals,” according to Lemos.
For most students, this will be their first experience living away from home. The intense, guided experience aims to prepare students so they are acclimated to campus life before the fall semester begins.
“They move into the dorms, they live with a roommate on campus,” Lemos said. “The students will have an opportunity to meet with other students within the program.”
According to the Upward Bound website, “The academic year follow-up offers tutoring and advising to students on a weekly basis.”
