WILKES-BARRE – Upward Bound is a program that sets out to support students throughout their high school education while also preparing them for their college life – offering various subjects including mathematics to teaching foreign languages.

Intending to increase the rate of students completing their second education, they hold the Summer Program at Wilkes University—a program where sophomores spend six weeks of their summer in college dorms and classes.

The GNA Insider sat down and asked the Upward Bound participants about their time at the program:

Zyiana Coleman

What made you want to join Upward Bound?

I wanted to join Upward Bound so I could get a headstart on my journey to college. I also wanted extra knowledge on my school subjects. 

Did you enjoy your experience at Upward Bound?

I loved Upward Bound. At first, I didn’t think I would enjoy it as much as I did.

Did you have a roommate you didn’t know? What was that experience like?

I had a roommate I knew which made my experience much more as I did.

Would you recommend Upward Bound to others? Why or why not?

I would definitely recommend it. It pushes you out of your comfort zone. You make so many friends while pursuing a better education.

What was the most interesting part about Upward Bound?

The most interesting part was the trips. You learn a lot on the trips, especially Jim Thorpe.

Would you attend Upward Bound again if you had the opportunity, and why?

I would. This program made me feel more confident in meeting people and my intelligence. All of the teachers are helpful and they wish nothing but the best for you.

Damien Fox

What made you want to join Upward Bound?

It sounded exciting and it was a great opportunity.

Did you enjoy your experience at Upward Bound?

Yes, there were many fun activities.

Did you have a roommate you didn’t know? What was that experience like?

No, I didn’t have a roommate.

Would you recommend Upward Bound to others? Why or why not?

Yes, because it is a great experience and a great way to get ahead of college.

What was the most interesting part about Upward Bound?

All the new friends you will make.

Would you attend Upward Bound again if you had the opportunity, and why?

Yes, it was one of the best summers of my entire life.

Natalynn Schwing 

What made you want to join Upward Bound?

I Joined Upward Bound to make new friends and prepare for college.

Did you enjoy your experience at Upward Bound?

Yes, I enjoyed my experience at Upward Bound, it was a positive experience.

Did you have a roommate you didn’t know? What was that experience like?

No, I knew my roommate. It was fun, we got along well and respected each other.

Would you recommend Upward Bound to others? Why or why not?

I would recommend Upward Bound to others. They offer a lot of fun learning experiences.

What was the most interesting part about Upward Bound?

I believe the most exciting part of Upward Bound was forming. I got the chance to learn about myself and how to speak to others.

Would you attend Upward Bound again if you had the opportunity, and why?

Yes, I would attend Upward Bound again. It was an amazing experience. I got the chance to make a ton of friends.

Jayden Wasielewski

What made you want to join Upward Bound?

I overheard people talking about how it was a good program so I decided it would be something nice to do.

Did you enjoy your experience at Upward Bound?

I did enjoy it, yes. I found my girlfriend at Upward Bound.

Did you have a roommate you didn’t know? What was that experience like?

I had a roommate that I knew. The experience was fun. I thought it was nice to experience life on a college campus.

Would you recommend Upward Bound to others? Why or Why not?

Yes, I would. I would because you get to meet new friends and get to see what life on a college campus is like.

What was the most interesting part of Upward Bound?

I was able to play Just Dance with other people in the program.

Arionna Glushefshi 

What made you want to join Upward Bound?

I wanted to join Upward Bound because I wanted to learn more and prepare for important tests. I also wanted to meet more people/friends.

Did you enjoy your experience at Upward Bound?

I did enjoy Upward Bound because I got out of my comfort zone and learned new skills.

Did you have a roommate you didn’t know? What was that experience like?

I roomed with someone that I knew from school. The experience was good because I knew her and we got along well. 

Would you recommend Upward Bound to others? Why or why not?

I would recommend Upward Bound to others because you learn so much with others. It’s such a fun experience with friends!

What was the most interesting part about Upward Bound?

The most interesting part about Upward Bound is the classes/trips. The teachers for the classes have taught me so much. The trips were also very educational and fun.

Would you attend Upward Bound again if you had the opportunity, and why? 

If I could attend Upward Bound again, I would most definitely. The Upward Bound classes have taught me to even get up early in the summertime. I met so many friends from different schools that I talked to. Also for my specials, I had to do stuff that I didn’t wanna do. But in the end, I ended up loving the whole experience. If someone has the chance to do it, they should!

Olivia Monska

What made you want to join Upward Bound?

I wanted to jumpstart my college career, and it seemed like the best way to do so.

Did you enjoy your experience at Upward Bound?

I did! It was one of, if not the most memorable summer experiences for me.

Did you have a roommate you didn’t know? What was that experience like?

No.

Would you recommend Upward Bound to others? Why or Why not?

I would, but it’s definitely not for those who get homesick quickly.

What was the most interesting part of Upward Bound?

The most interesting part was meeting all of the people from other schools, bonding over our shared experiences and anxieties within the program was a huge part of why I stuck with it.

Would you attend Upward Bound again if you had the opportunity, and why?

In a heartbeat. I would do anything to be able to relive my summer spent at Upward Bound. If there was anything I’d do over, it’d have to be going to further lengths to extend outside of my comfort zone and talk and or get to know more people. Overall, I made an abundance of friends that I wouldn’t trade for the world.

Maurice Smith 

What made you want to join Upward Bound?

At the time I didn’t know anything about college so I joined Upward Bound to give me knowledge about college. (Also they gave you scholarships. 

Did you enjoy your experience at Upward Bound?

Yes, I did. It is really fun.

Did you have a roommate you didn’t know? What was that experience like?

Unfortunately, I did not have a roommate, but I did have a suitemate and I shared a bathroom with them. It was very interesting.

Would you recommend Upward Bound to others? Why or why not?

I strongly recommend other people to join Upward Bound if they have little to no knowledge about college because you will have a lot of help and support through the process. Plus, you’ll get an awesome dorm room.

What was the most interesting part about Upward Bound?

The most interesting part about Upward Bound is the teachers’ style of teaching. They treat the classes like it’s an actual college class.

Would you attend Upward Bound again if you had the opportunity, and why?

Yes! And I would say that one million times. Upward Bound was so fun, I met new friends, went on awesome trips, and met the six best RA’s that I have ever known.

Serafino Raggi

What made you want to join Upward Bound?

Something to do in my free time and a chance to meet new people.

Did you enjoy your experience at Upward Bound?

It is a very nice experience to both meet new people and get help with anything you need for your school classes.

Did you have a roommate you didn’t know? What was that experience like?

I was dorming with Jayden W. And I was the one who had to wake up in the morning to get us up. Otherwise, it was fine.

Would you recommend Upward Bound to others? Why or why not?

I would recommend it to others. The summer program is an interesting experience, living on campus. You also meet quite a few new people and get any help you may need with school.

What was the most interesting part about Upward Bound?

The summer portion where we stayed at dorms at Wilkes. There was always something to do and tons of fun people.

Would you attend Upward Bound again if you had the opportunity, and why?

The program is still going on, but the summer program to be specific? I would go again in a heartbeat.