VSU Upward Bound Welcomes Students June 7

VALDOSTA - Valdosta State University's 2009 Upward Bound Program will kick-off its second year Sunday, June 7, when 53 students from Valdosta High School begin a fun-filled summer of learning.

Upward Bound is a TRIO program funded by a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education with the goal of developing the skills and motivation necessary for students to succeed beyond high school. Last summer's participants - the first to participate in the VSU program - toured college campuses, attended numerous workshops and learned ways to improve themselves as students and citizens.

This year, senior students will live on campus for the full six weeks while attending classes for science, math, language arts and foreign language. Juniors and sophomores will live on campus for two weeks and one week, respectively. All students will also attend various workshops, labs and study hall sessions. The summer experience will culminate with a tour of four major universities and a stop at the nation's capitol, Washington, D.C.

"We watched last year's students grow tremendously through the Upward Bound experience and we expect this summer to further strengthen the foundations built throughout the last 12 months," Upward Bound Director Dondraie Seay said. "Our students are looking forward to a true taste of life in higher education, which VSU offers them at no cost."

The six-week on campus session, which is part of the year-long program that requires study sessions throughout the school year, offers the unique opportunity for students to experience a true taste of secondary education. To be eligible for Upward Bound, a student must demonstrate strong interest in and potential for college admission; be first-generation college bound; show a strong desire to improve academically; and be enrolled at Valdosta High School.

Students who are interested should call Upward Bound Director Dondraie Seay at (229) 259-2561 or e-mail dlseay@valdosta.edu . For more information, call VSU Equal Opportunity Programs and Multicultural Affairs at (229) 333-5463. A schedule is available at www.valdosta.edu/eopma/upwardbound . 


Call Upward Bound Director Dondraie Seay at (229) 333-5463 or e-mail her at dlseay@valdosta.edu to learn more about VSU’s Upward Bound Program or make a donation to help this program continue leading students toward higher education.