Eastern Michigan University's Upward Bound Program turns
40 this year. And while the party preparations are still
in the planning, it has already received a very nice package.
The U.S. Department of Education has awarded Upward Bound
a six-year renewal grant totaling $2.3 million or $398,293
annually.
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ONWARD AND UPWARD: Sandra Gonzalez,
coordinator
of Eastern Michigan University's Upward
Bound program,
is all smiles after learning the U.S.
Department
of Education has awarded Upward Bound
a six-year
renewal grant totaling $2.3 million. |
"For the past 40 years, Upward Bound has helped hundreds
of young people from Willow Run and Ypsilanti High School
go to college," said Sandra Gonzales, coordinator for EMU's
Upward Bound Program. "We are proud of our partnership
with the families and youth of Ypsilanti, and we hope to
provide rigorous academic programming and college support
until every eligible Ypsilanti resident has a college degree."
"More than 1 million students fail to graduate high
school each year, the majority of which come from economically
disadvantage backgrounds. These grants will provide
young people with the help and support they need to graduate
from high school and pursue higher education, resources
that they may not have otherwise had access to," said
Congressman John D. Dingell (D-MI, District 15). "I
am proud that two tremendous learning institutions in my
district, Eastern Michigan University and Monroe County
Community College, will be able to continue their hard
work on this program."
Upward Bound at EMU requires students in the program to
give an eight-to-10-year commitment when they begin the
ninth grade.
"We monitor grades, test scores, attendance and citizenship,
and provide students with academic support and advising,
career exploration, college prep assistance, a six-week
summer residential component, college campus tours and
field trips to cultural/historical excursions," Gonzales
said.
"Our aim is to expose students to a world where possibilities
and opportunities are within reach once they make the leap
from high school to college," Gonzales said. "Upward Bound
at EMU has a 100-percent college matriculation rate and
a 75-80 percent college graduation rate."
