Summer academic and residential program
Summer academic curricula
Summer academic initiatives emphasize skill development and improvement in subjects such as English, math, science, world languages, civics, and study skills. The summer program also provides enrichment classes including college planning, student leadership development, conflict mediation, and computer literacy. Students attend classes daily for five weeks during late June and July.
Residential Program
The Upward Bound Residential Program is an important aspect of the overall Upward Bound experience. It gives high school students the opportunity to immerse themselves in college life by living in a campus residence hall, having a roommate, and eating in a college dining facility. As part of the residential component, students participate in an evening schedule that includes cultural, social, and recreational activities designed to foster personal growth, build leadership skills, and broaden student awareness and appreciation of the world. Activities fall into six general categories: cultural, physical, educational, arts & crafts, leadership, and leisure. The goal of the residential program is to help students become acclimated to life in a college campus environment and build the necessary skills to enhance self-sufficiency.
Bridge Program
The Bridge Program is designated for Upward Bound students that have completed the program and recently-graduated from high school. Bridge offers students a look at college academics prior to their first full year at a post-secondary institution. These students will have an opportunity to take a college course through Postsecondary Teaching and Learning (PsTL) which may cover specific subject content ranging from literature to writing. Successful completion of this content course will earn students their first college credits, transferable to most universities and colleges.
Upward Bound Bridge students will also enroll in the Supplementary Instruction (SI) course with an Upward Bound instructor. This course is designed to complement the particular subject matter of the PsTL content course. The SI component allows students to clarify and discuss the content course materials as well as employ the necessary skills to be a successful college student including good study methods, note-taking, and time management. All books and supplies that Bridge students use are provided by Upward Bound.
Upward Bound Regional Math & Science Program
Selected students have an opportunity to participate in an Upward Bound Math & Science summer program in the Twin Cities, Wisconsin, Michigan, or St. Louis. In order to be selected for this initiative, students must be in good standing with Upward Bound and at school, and must pass the entrance requirements for their desired Math & Science program. All of the Math & Science programs are designed to provide students with an intensive academic curriculum in Math & Science. This is a perfect program for students who wish to pursue a career in the math and/or science fields and who want to challenge their academic capabilities. The student's travel and living expenses will be covered by the Math/Science programs. The Math/Science program is typically in session about the same time as the regular summer program, and so, successful candidates will attend Math/Science in lieu of the University of Minnesota Upward Bound Summer Program.
STEP UP
Summer Jobs Program
The STEP UP Summer Jobs program, sponsored by the City of Minneapolis, is an
opportunity offered to Upward Bound students each summer to earn money and
learn work-readiness skills while being at Upward Bound. During this
nine-week program, students work as a program-aide for five weeks in the
Upward Bound Summer Program and then move on to work for the other four
weeks as an office assistant, receptionist, or facilities management staff
in a department on the University of Minnesota campus. During the 2006
Summer Program, 20 Upward Bound students received the opportunity to gain
work experience and guidance from 19 different University departments.
Revised November 2006