UPWARD BOUND — Upward Bound is a program that is open to sophomores who are interested in getting a taste of college life and expanding their perspective on their education.
According to Wilkes University Upward Bound, “Upward Bound is a Federal TRIO program that gives young people the opportunity to succeed in high school and prepare for college by overcoming class, social, academic, and cultural barriers to higher education. It has been at Wilkes University since 1967.”
“The mission of the Upward Bound program at Wilkes University is to provide the framework for college success through individualized academic and personal services for potential first-generation college-bound high school students in Luzerne County who prove a financial need.”
“The vision of the Upward Bound program is to be Wilkes University’s prominent face of pre-college success; to formulate and establish innovative partnerships in the community so that the horizons of our students broaden and college retention improves.”
On November 13th, two Upward Bound Academic Coordinators, Briauna Robinson and Neil Murphy, came into the Greater Nanticoke Area High School to speak to sophomore English classes about Upward Bound. Along with them, two attending students, Brooke Reed and Hunter Vitkauskas, shared their own experiences from when they attended the program.
The GNA Insider interviewed these two students about their experiences and memories they have from when they attended Upward Bound.
When asked what their favorite memory while attending Upward Bound was, Brooke Reed told The GNA Insider, “One of my favorite memories of Upward Bound was the Resident Assistant (RA) hide and seek. All of the RA’s teams got into groups, and the RAs hid all over campus throughout the buildings. The teams would have to stay together, or we would lose points. If a team found another RA that wasn’t their own, they would only get one point, but if a team were to find their RA, they would get five points. Even though it was pretty hard to find any RAs, we were all out of breath and hot from running around, it was a great bonding moment with everyone, and it was a great way to hear everyone’s genuine laugh and see everybody’s genuine smiles. It was all a great time.”
“My favorite memory would have to be all of the times when my friends and I would be laughing to the point where we couldn’t breathe. It happened all the time, and it would always be during lunch or dinner. Also, we would order food all the time, especially during free time at the end of the day,” said Hunter Vitkauskas.
When posed with the question, “What is a piece of advice you would give to a student who wants to participate in Upward Bound?” Hunter advises, “Talk to people, most definitely! The times when I had fun and learned new things and experienced new things were when I would just talk to people.”
Brooke advises students that it will be nerve-wracking, but that is 100% okay! “I’d give a few pieces of advice, such as it’s going to be nerve-wracking! But trust me, you will be okay. You will be nervous and overthink everything before moving in, but what always helped me get through being nervous is to just remember that your peers are just as nervous about this new experience as you are. It is a new experience for everyone, so instead of staying quiet, try socializing with someone, maybe that someone needed that push to get out of their comfort zone. Talk to everyone, socializing is the best thing you can do in a new experience. Get to know people and put yourself out there because you’ll never know if someone could be looking up to you! Keep your space clean and organized, and ask questions when confused or curious. And just remember, your RAs and teachers are there for you! Stay focused and remember to not focus on what you fear, but instead on where you want to go.”
The GNA Insider also got to speak with Academic Coordinator, Briauna Robinson, and she provided us with information regarding Upward Bound.
What is something that most students don’t realize about Upward Bound?
I find many students think Upward Bound is only about college. Of course it is a key part of who we are and what our students are striving for, but Upward Bound entrenches our students in so much more. Not only do our students find themselves connecting with their community through our trips and optional volunteer work, but they are also able to get connected to professionals in a variety of fields of interest, they end up being a few steps ahead of their peers in high school and in college, and are able to meet and network with students growing to be professionals, just like them! Our program isn’t just more school, it’s an opportunity for students to challenge their resilience and expose themselves to new possibilities.
What made you want to work with the Upward Bound Program?
Providing opportunities for young minds to find their passions is a beautiful process to be an influence on. I know what it means to grow up not knowing what opportunities are available to you. My experience with Upward Bound before my role as Academic Coordinator is indepth and personal, as I am an alumni to the Upward Bound Program at Wilkes University. Being a part of Upward Bound showed me I was able to pursue my passions in teaching and English; and as I hold my Master’s Degree today, I know I wouldn’t have made it this far without the skill set, and resilience, the program offered me. I see myself in my role as doing more than giving back to a program that helped me to where I am today, I am able to advise, guide, and teach all in one neat position. The teens keep me energized, my heart feels fulfilled, and my job doesn’t feel terribly like work (most days)! What more could I ask for?
What resources are provided to students by Upward Bound?
So many! Almost too many to list. We offer personalized tutoring, 1-on-1 school advising and career guidance, opportunities for community involvement, workshops on financial aid and college planning, exposure to various careers and majors, study and prep for the SAT and ACT exams, and even workshops and information panels for parents, too! All for free!
For more information regarding Upward Bound, go to https://www.wilkes.edu/about-wilkes/leadership/provosts-office/upward-bound/index.aspx or speak to a school counselor in the Guidance office!
