Academic year program
Upward Bound provides a variety of initiatives to prepare students for the college experience. The academic-year program offers weekly courses, daily study assistance in standard high school subjects, ACT test preparation, and student and family educational workshops. Staff advise and counsel students, monitor and track their academic progress and co-curricular activities, and assist with college selection, admissions, and financial aid applications. Upward Bound provides timely intervention to encourage students toward positive academic achievement.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Academic component
9th Grade "Experience Science"
Experience Science provides students an opportunity to explore, enjoy,
and learn about different fields of science. Students meet three specific
objectives: to explore scientific fields and scientific careers; to learn
about science and it's methods; and to introduce new students to the
structures and requirements of Upward Bound in a fun and engaging manner.
Through these objectives, students expand their scientific knowledge and
become more familiar with careers in the sciences.
The class uses guest presenters, field trips, and hands-on activities to engage students in areas of the sciences that they might not have been exposed to previously: physics, chemistry, astronomy, forensic science, engineering, ecology, zoology, etc.
9th and 10th Grade "Success in School"
This class will cover skills necessary to becoming a successful student
including motivation, organization, time-management, note-taking, reading,
and creative thinking. Class members learn the traits of being a successful
student and will have the opportunity to earn rewards for demonstrating
those traits. A variety of science topics are discussed as well, including chemistry, physiology, biology,
ecology, neurology and physics. The class format varies by topic, but includes
participant-friendly lectures, discussions, hands-on skills development,
guest speakers, and field trips.
10th "Grade Composition & Literature"
Composition & Literature seeks to expand and improve students' writing
skills in preparation for initial college writing courses. Our goal is that
each student be able to successfully develop, organize, write, and edit a
five paragraph essay. The class is taught using a workshop model where
students spend the bulk of the class period actively writing or editing
their work. A low student-to-staff ratio provides each student with more
focused and relevant feedback on how to improve their writing.
The class introduces students to literature in the form of short stories and poetry and presents the opportunity for some creative writing in those two forms. By the end of the year, each student will complete a minimum of two essays, a short story, 3-5 poems, and other smaller assignments.
11th "Grade Leadership Research Writing"
Leadership Research Writing helps students develop the skills to
successfully research and write a college-level research paper while being
introduced to basic concepts of leadership, mentoring and teamwork. Our goal
is that each student will finish this class feeling comfortable with the
research process and with analyzing information to complete a long research
paper.
Students choose a topic related to leadership and conduct the research, analysis, and writing to complete a 3 page paper. They will give verbal presentations in class to demonstrate their learning. Instructors grade the papers by assessing how the writing compares to college-level expectations.
Students will receive instruction on using the University of Minnesota Libraries, the largest library holdings in the state. In addition, students will learn how to successfully navigate the web, cite sources, and judge the quality of their research queries. Students will also learn proper bibliography procedures and formats and gain more computer literacy through consistent use.
12th "Grade College Planning"
College Planning guides students through their senior year as they apply for
various colleges and scholarships, and make preparations to graduate from
high school. Students must apply to at least three post-secondary
institutions, including the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and are
encouraged to apply at several more. Students also research and apply for at
least five scholarships separate from the schools where they will seek
admission. Parent involvement is critical when the class learns about
financial aid. Each student and family is instructed on submitting the Free
Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to qualify for loans,
grants, and other need-based financial assistance.
Seniors are encouraged to succeed in college by sharpening their practical skills such as time management, how to study, stress reduction, and general organization. As the Upward Bound year ends, students select which institution of higher learning they will attend and begin the process of enrolling in courses.
Individual study
Staffed by college teaching assistants, Individual Study helps students develop better time management skills, study skills, and a more complete understanding of their coursework. Students set daily coursework goals and are assessed on the completion of those goals, the quality of their work, and their focus and effort while participating in Individual Study.
The Individual Study program is available to all Upward Bound students, regardless of their school grades or GPA, as a resource to becoming more successful in their studies. All students are encouraged to seek study assistance before their grades begin to suffer. However, students who struggle to maintain their school grades are required to attend Individual Study at least one session per week in addition to their regular Upward Bound academic component course. Mandatory enrollment of students in Individual Study is done with the goal of improving all school course grades to a "C" or better.
Revised November 2006