Upward Bound DeKalb
About the Program
Project Upward Bound is a challenging precollege initiative designed to encourage and prepare students to pursue a program of study at the postsecondary education level. Project Upward Bound, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education, offers a program of rigorous academic instruction, a peer environment supportive of excellence and exposure to new learning opportunities.
In 2011-2012, Project Upward Bound will meet the needs of 105 students in four areas: Academic Development, Personal and Vocational Counseling, Cultural Enrichment and Tutorial Assistance
Academic Development - Students attend classes that emphasize individualized instruction in science, composition, literature, mathematics and SAT preparation.
Counseling Services - Personal, vocational and academic counseling are provided for each student. Group counseling is also emphasized and provides an opportunity for student interaction.
Cultural Enrichment Activities - Students attend various activities such as concerts, art exhibits, plays, sport events, etc. to broaden their cultural experiences. Travel outside the Atlanta area is also provided to further expand the students’ cultural awareness.
Tutorial Services - Tutors are provided in all academic areas
Advantages to Students
•Increases educational motivation
•Increases cultural awareness
•Increases students’ social and educational contacts
•Increases awareness of the college environment
Advantages to Community
•Assists public schools with academic development.
•Assists in developing future community leaders.
•Improves relationships between the college environment and the community.
•Develops community appreciation.
Program History and Achievements
–Academic Improvement
•60% of all participants have achieved at a proficient level on state assessments in reading/language arts and math.
–Project Retention
•75% of 9th, 10th & 11th grade participants will continue in the program during the next academic year.
–Postsecondary Enrollment
•85% of all UB participants will enroll in postsecondary education by the fall term immediately following the expected high school graduation date.
–Postsecondary Persistence
•65% of all UB participants who enrolled in postsecondary education during the fall term following their high school graduation date, will be enrolled for the fall term of the second academic year.
How Does The Program Work?
Selected students meet on the Georgia State University campus on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. during the academic year and six weeks daily (Monday-Friday) during the summer. A stipend, meal and transportation allowance are provided to each student.
Academic Year Component:
–The Academic Year Program will primarily consist of the Upward Bound Saturday Academy to be held on the campus on Georgia State University. These academic sessions include instruction in mathematics (through pre-calculus), English composition and literature, foreign language, laboratory science and weekly tutorial sessions. There will also be periodic contact with program staff to provide academic advisement, career, and social counseling.
Summer Residential Component:
–The Summer Residential Component is an intensive six-week summer residential academic enrichment program that meets Sunday evening through Friday. Summer program participants will live in a residence hall on the Georgia State University campus and will be under 24-hour adult supervision by the Upward Bound Administration, Residence Advisors, mentors, and instructors. Morning classes will consist of courses in math, English, science and foreign language. Afternoon enrichment activities will include electives such as media technology, art appreciation, creative writing, dance, public speaking/debate and physical fitness. There will also be academic survival skills workshops, career information workshops and social/cultural enrichment field trips and/or community service activities on Fridays.
Students will be invited to various colleges/universities throughout the country. These visits will be offered during Spring Break, the Summer Residential Program, and on availability and student need basis.
Other Activities include:
–College Tours and Campus Visits
–Workshops
–College Planning Preparation
–Financial Aid and Planning
–Financial Literacy
–•Community Resources
Who Is Eligible?
Project Upward Bound does not look for the high achiever, but rather for the student who shows the potential for being a high achiever. Students must meet federal income requirement guidelines. Ninth grade students from selected schools in DeKalb County are eligible for the program. Students must be recommended by counselors and teachers.
Project Target Schools include:
•Cedar Grove High School
•Columbia High School
•Cross Keys High School
•Lithonia High School
•Martin Luther King High School
•McNair High School
•Miller Grove High School
•Redan High School
•Stephenson High School
•Stone Mountain High School
•S.W. DeKalb High School
•Towers High School
