Upward Bound students complete summer program

The Upward Bound program recently completed its 42nd year on the campus of The University of Virginia’s College at Wise with the wrap-up of its summer program, “Under Construction: Building the Dream.”

Thirty students completed the program, which included academic offerings to prepare students for SOL-tested subjects. Participants studied English, literature, SAT prep, algebra II, geometry, pre-calculus, biology, advanced biology, chemistry, physics, U.S. history, 20th century history, government, French, Spanish, art, current events and money management.

Bridge students (those who have graduated high school and are preparing for college) were enrolled in “Contemporary Social Problems” (Sociology 120) and “Drawing I” (Art 221) for college credit.

Students also participated in a work-study program with jobs on- and off-campus. Some participated in a photojournalism program to produce the program’s summer magazine. Others attended a career development class, which featured guest speakers, mock interviews, research papers and field trips to job sites.

In addition to academics and work, students had the opportunity to take part in a variety of cultural activities, including trips to the East Kentucky Science Center, Cooper’s Gem Mine, Bristol Caverns, Bristol Motor Raceway, King College, WCYB, the Southwest Virginia Museum and the Trail of the Lonesome Pine outdoor drama.

The summer session concluded with the annual Parents’ and Awards Night.

At the end of the summer, participants were treated to an excursion to Louisville, Ky., where students enjoyed Churchill Downs, the Kentucky Derby Museum, the Glassworks, the Louisville Slugger Baseball Bat Museum, the Spirit of Jefferson dinner cruise, Six Flags and the Derby Playhouse’s production of “Beauty and the Beast.”

Student participants included Amber Deel, Rhiannon Doss, Zack Mullins, Travis Rose, Teara Sykes and Ashley Umberger, Clintwood High School; Daniel Adkins, Tanner Jaskson, Josh Mullins and Casey Page, Coeburn High School; Ashley Bowen, Dana Deel, Kasey Fleming, Mackenzie Moore and Maggie Moore, Ervinton High School; Thomas Boring and BJ Brummitt, J. J. Kelly High School; and Jacob Bateman, Ben Bowman, Chase Craft and Daniel Hilton, Pound High School.

Upward Bound Bridge students who will attend UVa-Wise in the fall included Jacob Austin, Ervinton High School; Scott Sexton, J. I. Burton High School; and Katherine Collins, Cheyenne Elam, Cindy Greene and Alicia Justice, J.J. Kelly High School. Upward Bound Bridge students who will attend Mountain Empire Community College in the fall included Misty Lucas, J. J. Kelly High School, and Isaac Moore, Ervinton High School. Bridge student Timmy Stevens of Ervinton High School will attend Southwest Virginia Community College this fall.

Upward Bound offers free tutoring, academic counseling, motivational sessions, test information and college prep to its students. The program also pays for the PSAT, SAT, ACT, college applications and some dual enrollment and Advanced Placement classes for qualifying juniors and seniors.

Students interested in participating may check with their school guidance counselor or contact the Upward Bound office at 276-328-0175 for eligibility requirements and application information. Additional information may be found at the Upward Bound Web site at people.uvawise.edu/upward_bound.

Posted August 7, 2008