Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1349911
12 Housed at the University of Wyoming and funded by the federal dollars through the US Department of Education, Upward Bound has been working with Wyoming high school students since the 1960s to make a four-year university degree an accessible, achievable reality. Director Sandy Kingsley says that Upward Bound and its sister program Upward Bound Math and Science, have one main objective: break down barriers by introducing kids to higher education and cultural activities. "A lot of kids in Wyoming feel like their futures are predetermined," Kingsley told WEA News. "If they're first-generation and college is not introduced to them in their homes, they feel like they don't get to go to college or they don't belong there." Upward Bound is working to change that. e program is funded to serve nearly 200 income- eligible or first-generation college students in targeted areas across the state. Upward Bound provides various cultural enrichment opportunities, helps with college readiness, and even provides a stipend for participating students. Each summer, Upward Bound offers high school students free immersive, on-campus university experiences at the University of Wyoming: one for graduated high school seniors and one for 9-12-graders. Students live, eat, and network on campus, and attend classes. Leah StClair is a 5th grade teacher in the Natrona County School District, in her second year teaching. She joined Upward Bound as a high school sophomore. "Upward Bound helped me by mostly encouraging me to keep my grades up and offering opportunities to take part in community events I would normally not be able to attend," said StClair. "is program really understood the impact a little exposure can have on students from low-income and/ or first-generation college students, so they would hold weekly events for some type of enrichment meant to broaden our horizons while educating us on outside opportunities." Kingsley believes that Upward Bound is particularly valuable to students in light of Wyoming's economic crises and the ever-increasing threat of shrinking resources for education. "ere's a lot of people in crisis, so we can hopefully step in and talk about colleges, resources, scholarships, all of the things that are available to help kids succeed," she said. StClair credits Upward Bound as being a valuable tool in helping her achieve her degree. As an educator, she believes that Upward Bound is "one of the best programs to help high school students." "is program is tailored to reach the students that need that extra support to succeed," said StClair. "Upward Bound will do everything they can to find a way for that student to reach their goals—both short and long term—and be prepared to help others with the same struggle. Upward Bound is the missing piece some high-school students need to take that leap into investing in their future." COLLEGE-BOUND WITH One innovative program is helping Wyoming students realize that higher education is within reach. To learn more about specific program offerings, geographic areas served, and student eligibility requirements, visit www.uwyo.edu/upwardbound.