Upward Bound Begins 39th Year at UMaine

Contact: Kay Hyatt: (207) 581-2761

ORONO, Maine –The University of Maine Upward Bound program will welcome 140 high school sophomores, juniors and seniors Saturday, June19, as they begin a six-week academic and career exploration experience.

The majority of the students (approximately 100) are in the Classic Upward Bound general academic support and enrichment program. They attend schools served throughout the academic year by UMaine Upward Bound counselors in Penobscot, Piscataquis, Waldo and Hancock counties. The 40 students in UMaine’s Regional Math-Science Center are motivated math, science and technology students from targeted high schools around New England.

During the summer program, the students take classes in math, science, English, foreign language, career exploration, SAT preparation and a variety of electives. In addition, students have a research agenda, working on projects with UMaine faculty, as well as community job and service

Upward Bound is a federally funded educational opportunity program for high school students from low-income, first-generation college families. Its goal is to help the students overcome economic, social, academic and class barriers to higher education and break cycles of generational poverty.

Media Note: A large tent will be set up outside Hilltop Commons from noon to 4 p.m. on Upward Bound Summer Program registration day, June 19. Media contacts at registration are: Linda Ives, director, (581-2522); and William Ellis, assistant director, (581-3701).