Upward Bound Summer Program Begins June 25
Contact: Kay Hyatt at (207) 581-2761
ORONO, Maine –The University of Maine Upward Bound program will welcome 158 high school sophomores, juniors and seniors Saturday, June 25 to the annual six-week academic and career exploration experience on campus.
The majority of the students (115) 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 43 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. For example, the Math-Science students will be involved in a University/community effort to test and monitor the phosphorus levels in Pushaw Lake, as well as other water quality activities.
This year, all students and staff will read the award-winning book, “The Kite Runner” by Khaled-Husseini, and weave its messages into experiences and activities throughout the summer. “The Kite Runner,” set in contemporary Afghanistan is a story of unlikely friendships, betrayal, redemption and how childhood choices affect adult lives.
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 UMaine’s Hilltop Commons from noon to 4 p.m. on Upward Bound Summer Program registration day, June 25. Media contacts at registration are: Linda Ives, director, and Nate Larlee, Math-Science coordinator.