The NDSU High School Upward Bound summer program is scheduled to begin Tuesday, June 4. The federally funded program provides services to first-generation, low income students and students with disabilities as they prepare for postsecondary education. The summer program runs through July 17.
During the six-week program, 30 Upward Bound students will attend high school-level courses in a college setting on the NDSU campus.
“Upward Bound staff is ready and excited to get started with classes and activities,” said project director Kris Mickelson. “NDSU provides a great environment for students to gain understanding of postsecondary education and campus life.”
In addition to taking courses in science, mathematics and English, students will have the opportunity to learn Korean from NDSU undergraduate student Kyo Yeon Hwang, who will also share information about his culture.
According to Mickelson, students will take part in Upward Bound Living and Learning, a program funded by the United Way that gives them a chance to live as a college student for three days. They will check into a residence hall, get a roommate, eat at the dining center and learn how to balance responsibilities with the social aspect of residence life. During Living and Learning, students will take a dining etiquette course and practice their skills at an area fine dining restaurant.
The Upward Bound summer program will have several new opportunities this year. The Men’s Group will meet each Monday, coordinated by Brody Clark and Barry Jennings Jr., an NDSU sophomore majoring in accounting and business. Male students will discuss what it means to be a respectable man, what to do now to prepare for success in college and the importance of using inclusive, positive language.
The “Girl Scouts BFF” program will be held each Monday. “Be a Friend First,” an anti-bullying program run by Kendra Otto of the Girl Scouts, will focus on creating an environment where female students will learn to support and encourage one another and develop leadership skills.
“UB Rocks” is Upward Bound’s version of rock school. Students will form a band led by Mark Berntson, West Fargo High School guitar teacher, and Brad Storm, Cheney Middle School English Language Learners teacher. A playlist and concert date will be announced later.
Each Friday, students can participate in volunteer experiences. Upward Bound students and staff have collectively volunteered more than 700 hours since September 2012. In addition, students will be rewarded for outstanding behavior and their participation with job shadowing opportunities with area professionals.
NDSU is recognized as one of the nation’s top 108 public and private universities by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education.