Nearly 100 Waterloo high schoolers are getting to experience college life thanks to the Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math and Science programming, which moves from the UNI Center for Urban Education (UNI-CUE) to UNI campus for the summer.

Both programs are meant to help students succeed in high school and beyond. Upward Bound Math and Science, the newest TRIO program at UNI-CUE, specifically helps students recognize and develop their potential to excel in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers. TRIO programs, which are funded by the U.S. Department of Education, expand educational opportunities for disadvantaged communities.

The summer programs are all about mimicking college life in every aspect for five weeks and then taking students off campus for a one-week trip. Students prepare for the next school year by working ahead on courses they will have in the fall.

“I really like the college experience and going to class and getting to see what it's like to be a real college student,” said Hannah Smith, an Upward Bound Math and Science participant who is entering 10th grade. “It really prepares you for your future and makes you want to go to college.”

“The homework they give us takes quite a bit of work, but the result of it all is really good,” said Sai Win, a rising freshman who is part of Upward Bound Math and Science.

While academics play a major role, students are able to use the program to prepare for college holistically. Students live in the dorms, are paired up with roommates, walk to and from their classes and learn how to navigate life on a college campus.

“The students are learning a lot of the social aspects of college life, like how to work out issues with their roommates and prepare for that process when they're leaving the home. For most of our students, it's their first time really going away from home as well,” said Sarah Cohen, director of Upward Bound Math and Science.

“I like the fact that I have more responsibilities,” said Lauren Reuter, an Upward Bound Math and Science scholar who will be a high school sophomore. “I feel more self-aware.”

Mia Deuell, a 10th-grade Upward Bound student, shared a similar sentiment. “I’ve learned time management,” she said. “I have to make sure I wake up in the morning, go to bed at a decent time and leave time to do my homework.”

Each day starts with breakfast in the Piazza. Then students go to their classes, which are taught by instructors from UNI, Hawkeye Community College, Waterloo Schools and Wapsie Valley Schools. Throughout the day, students can get supplemental instruction to give them time for homework or tutoring. 

Upward Bound also provides its own classes including high school prep and survival, college prep and survival, financial literacy and home economics. John Deere support enhances the Upward Bound Summer Program, providing continued connections with John Deere mentors during fun activities, including a family picnic, theater workshops, amusement park experiences, college tours, an awards ceremony banquet and more. 

“It has been very beneficial to get exposure to many different places and new things, which has given me a mind of what’s out there other than Waterloo and Iowa,” said Damon Gray, an Upward Bound student who is entering 12th grade.

Upward Bound Math and Science students experience STEM-based programming in the afternoons with different UNI departments followed by outdoor recreation activities. Speakers touch on the topics like financial literacy and budgeting.

“Students really enjoy the program,” said Yolanda Williams, director of Upward Bound. “They’re sold on the activities and the trip, but once they get in, they realize how important the academics are.”

“I’ve had so much fun,” said Kayden Moore, an Upward Bound Math and Science student who is a rising freshman. “It’s really motivated me to try my hardest and to keep going. This is a good program to be a part of because it’s preparing you for high school if you haven’t been to high school just yet.”

Not only do the students get to experience college life, but they also get to interact with real college students. Most of the Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math and Science summer staff members are current college students, and several of them are TRIO program alumni. Upward Bound Math and Science even has a couple of UNI football players on staff this year.

“They’re able to kind of relate to the students in a different way because they’re similar in age and because they’re currently in college,” said Cohen. “So I think it’s a really big benefit that we have that mentorship throughout the program.”

The summer program has taken place every year since 1986 when Upward Bound started. This is also the first year of residential program since the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s just one of many ways Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math and Science support students. Some of the other services include tutoring, FAFSA application assistance, college admissions and scholarship support, ACT preparation, course selection and career exploration. 

“I hope students leave this summer knowing that they have a huge system of support that is rooting for them and hoping to help them get to college and achieve their dreams,” said Cohen.

“I hope they take away how important their academics are, not just now but for their future —  and that anything they put their mind to is accessible as long as they put in  the hard work,” said Williams. “The UNI-CUE motto is ‘Earned not Given,’ and that is what our programs teach.”