Academic year program
Upward Bound provides a variety of initiatives to prepare students for the college experience. The academic-year program offers weekly courses, daily study assistance in standard high school subjects, ACT test preparation, and student and family educational workshops. Staff advise and counsel students, monitor and track their academic progress and co-curricular activities, and assist with college selection, admissions, and financial aid applications. Upward Bound provides timely intervention to encourage students toward positive academic achievement.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
Academic component
9th Grade "Experience Science"
Experience Science provides
students an opportunity to explore, enjoy, and learn about different fields
of science. Students meet three specific objectives: to explore scientific
fields and scientific careers; to learn about science and it's methods; and
to introduce new students to the structures and requirements of Upward Bound
in a fun and engaging manner. Through these objectives, students expand
their scientific knowledge and become more familiar with careers in the
sciences.
The class uses guest presenters, field trips, and hands-on activities to engage students in areas of the sciences that they might not have been exposed to previously: physics, chemistry, astronomy, forensic science, engineering, ecology, zoology, etc.
9th and 10th Grade "Success in School"
This class will cover
skills necessary to becoming a successful student including motivation,
organization, time-management, note-taking, reading, and creative thinking.
Class members learn the traits of being a successful student and will have
the opportunity to earn rewards for demonstrating those traits. A variety of
science topics are discussed as well, including chemistry, physiology,
biology, ecology, neurology and physics. The class format varies by topic,
but includes participant-friendly lectures, discussions, hands-on skills
development, guest speakers, and field trips.
10th Grade "Composition & Literature"
Composition &
Literature seeks to expand and improve students' writing skills in
preparation for initial college writing courses. Our goal is that each
student be able to successfully develop, organize, write, and edit a five
paragraph essay. The class is taught using a workshop model where students
spend the bulk of the class period actively writing or editing their work. A
low student-to-staff ratio provides each student with more focused and
relevant feedback on how to improve their writing.
The class introduces students to literature in the form of short stories and poetry and presents the opportunity for some creative writing in those two forms. By the end of the year, each student will complete a minimum of two essays, a short story, 3-5 poems, and other smaller assignments.
11th Grade "Leadership Research Writing"
Leadership Research
Writing helps students develop the skills to successfully research and write
a college-level research paper while being introduced to basic concepts of
leadership, mentoring and teamwork. Our goal is that each student will
finish this class feeling comfortable with the research process and with
analyzing information to complete a long research paper.
Students choose a topic related to leadership and conduct the research, analysis, and writing to complete a 3 page paper. They will give verbal presentations in class to demonstrate their learning. Instructors grade the papers by assessing how the writing compares to college-level expectations.
Students will receive instruction on using the University of Minnesota Libraries, the largest library holdings in the state. In addition, students will learn how to successfully navigate the web, cite sources, and judge the quality of their research queries. Students will also learn proper bibliography procedures and formats and gain more computer literacy through consistent use.
12th Grade "College Planning"
College Planning guides
students through their senior year as they apply for various colleges and
scholarships, and make preparations to graduate from high school. Students
must apply to at least three post-secondary institutions, including the
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and are encouraged to apply at several
more. Students also research and apply for at least five scholarships
separate from the schools where they will seek admission. Parent involvement
is critical when the class learns about financial aid. Each student and
family is instructed on submitting the Free Application for Federal Student
Aid (FAFSA) in order to qualify for loans, grants, and other need-based
financial assistance.
Seniors are encouraged to succeed in college by sharpening their practical skills such as time management, how to study, stress reduction, and general organization. As the Upward Bound year ends, students select which institution of higher learning they will attend and begin the process of enrolling in courses.
Individual study
Staffed by college teaching assistants, Individual Study helps students develop better time management skills, study skills, and a more complete understanding of their coursework. Students set daily coursework goals and are assessed on the completion of those goals, the quality of their work, and their focus and effort while participating in Individual Study.
The Individual Study program is available to all Upward Bound students, regardless of their school grades or GPA, as a resource to becoming more successful in their studies. All students are encouraged to seek study assistance before their grades begin to suffer. However, students who struggle to maintain their school grades are required to attend Individual Study at least one session per week in addition to their regular Upward Bound academic component course. Mandatory enrollment of students in Individual Study is done with the goal of improving all school course grades to a "C" or better.
Revised September 2008
