Upward Bound Provides Help To College-Bound Students

by Samuel Hamilton
Upward Bound Intern
Good grades, exceptional test scores, community service hours, a spectacular essay and an impeccable resume are all essential when applying to a college or university. With admission into post-secondary institutions becoming more competitive, high school graduates from rural areas are finding it more difficult to gain admission to the college of their choice. Small, tight-knit communities are a wonderful place to grow up, but schools in rural areas aren’t able to compete with the seemingly infinite number of clubs, sports, internships, volunteer opportunities and organizations available to students in metropolitan school districts. Luckily, there is a program in the area that is committed to giving local teens an opportunity to show college admission boards their potential and overcome any socioeconomic or personal issues that otherwise might prevent them from obtaining a degree.
The Upward Bound Program prepares students for every aspect of college, while providing students with valuable cultural and volunteer experiences that can be included on the all important college application. The program’s headquarters, located on the North Central Missouri College campus, houses services ranging from tutoring during the school year to fun and educational activities during the summer. Students from grades nine through 12 who are interested in becoming a first-generation college graduate are eligible to apply for this program that services the Trenton, Jamesport, Gallatin, Hamilton, Chillicothe, and Galt school districts. Upward Bound works with students during the school year to ensure that participants are successful both in and outside of the classroom, while the six-week summer component prepares them for the next academic year, provides them with a chance to go on a week long cultural trip, and facilitates a social environment that is similar to that of college.
As a graduated senior of Gallatin High School, Upward Bound Alumni, and future Mizzou Tiger, I know the value of the services provided by this program. The caring staff has stood by me as I have transformed from an awkward and shy sophomore to a confident, competent college student.
In my time participating in the Upward Bound Program I’ve had many valuable experiences. My first year attending the summer component was an eye-opening experience. As the only child in my home, I had never shared anything; this quickly changed when I moved in to the dorms among 40 other people around my age. The constant activities, team-building exercises and having to share a room forced me to come out of my shell. While I benefitted socially from that summer, I also learned the skills necessary to tackle the greatest challenge I’d experiences as a 14-year-old: Algebra. The classes provided gave me a head start and boosted my math grade to a level previously unheard of on my grade card.
I encourage every high school student looking to further their education after high school to apply for a spot in this unique organization. If one is accepted into the program, the journey is sure to be extraordinary, the friends created will be life-long and the opportunities will be endless.
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About The Writer
Samuel is a recent graduate of Gallatin High School and he plans on furthuring his education this fall at the University of Missouri – Columbia School of Journalism. He’s a four-year member of Upward Bound and will complete the program at the end of this month.