Union College News

Union College Upward Bound Program Receives Funding

In spite of federal funding cuts that caused many Upward Bound programs to be discontinued, Union College learned recently that the United States Department of Education has approved another cycle of funding for its Upward Bound program. Union College has offered the program since 1980.

Union’s Upward Bound will receive $347,563 per year beginning September 1, 2007 and ending August 31, 2011.

Heather Hines, the director of Union’s program, believes Upward Bound makes a difference “in the lives of deserving students. We have the pleasure of working with some of the most talented ladies and gentlemen from this area,” she says.

Terry Wilson, the program’s coordinator, agrees. “Seeing young people from our targeted area enter college and complete their degrees is a rewarding experience,” he says. “Upward Bound is a proud tradition at Union College.”

The purpose of Upward Bound is to increase the number of students who complete high school and enroll in and graduate from college. The program serves low-income high school students as well as high-school students whose parents do not have college degrees.

Union’s Upward Bound program serves Barbourville Independent High School, Clay County High School, Knox Central High School, Leslie County High School, Lynn Camp High School, Owsley County High School and Red Bird High School.

During the school year, participants take part in Saturday sessions focusing on skills and resources necessary for academic preparation and success. In summer, they get a feel for college life when they live on Union’s campus for six weeks and take science, math, English, foreign language and elective classes. The program pays students a stipend and provides cultural experiences inside and outside Kentucky.

For more information on Union’s Upward Bound program, call Terry Wilson at 606-546-1293. Information is also available at www.unionky.edu/Acad/SpecPrg/UBound.asp.

Union College is a private, liberal arts college located in Barbourville, Kentucky and related to The United Methodist Church.

September 24, 2007

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