TRIO Upward Bound / Upward Bound Math & Science

Our fall activities usually run from September through December and our Spring activities run from January through May. Both semesters consist of the same various different activities/events that are mandatory for our students to attend:

• Tutoring: We offer Career Readiness and Academic Mentorship (C.R.A.M.) on a weekly basis. Students who have a B or lower in any class are required to attend C.R.A.M. for at least two hours each week. During this time, students have access to on-site tutors who can provide support in a variety of subjects. Whether they need help understanding a new concept, preparing for a test, or completing assignments, our tutors are here to help students stay on track and succeed academically.
• Saturday Academy: Each month, we host a Saturday Academy where students participate in engaging workshops designed to help them grow both academically and personally. Workshop topics may include financial literacy, study skills, resume writing, mock interviews, college preparation, and many other areas that help students prepare for success in high school, college, and beyond. Attendance at Saturday Academy is a mandatory part of our program and gives students the opportunity to build valuable life and career skills.
• Academic Advising: Once a student is officially admitted into our program, they are paired with one of our professional staff members who serves as their academic advisor. Students meet with their advisor at least once each month to discuss their academic progress, goals, and future plans. These one-on-one advising sessions are an opportunity for students to receive personalized support. Advisors assist with selecting the right high school courses, exploring colleges and universities, searching for scholarship opportunities, building resumes, practicing interview skills, and anything else a student may need to help them reach their goals.
• College Visits & Career Exploration: One of our favorite parts of the program is exposing students to colleges and careers they may have never considered before. Throughout the year, we provide opportunities for students to visit colleges and universities across the United States. These visits allow students to experience different campuses, learn about academic programs, explore campus life, and ask questions about admissions, financial aid, and student resources. We also believe it’s important for students to explore a variety of career paths. In addition to college visits, we organize career site visits that give students a firsthand look at different professions. For example, our students have visited Google’s Chicago office, where they learned about the many career opportunities within the company and had the chance to speak with professionals about their educational and career journeys.
• Student Leadership Conferences: Our goal is to help students grow not only academically, but also as confident leaders. We believe leadership experiences help students develop communication skills, build confidence, and stand out as they prepare for college and future careers. Throughout the year, students have the opportunity to attend leadership conferences where they connect with peers from across the region, participate in interactive workshops, and develop valuable leadership skills. Some of our past experiences include attending the Educational Opportunity Association (EOA) Student Leadership Conference at the Mall of America and the annual Indiana TRIO Student Leadership Conference.

Our Summer Academy Program experience is open to all students and is a busy 6-week program:

• Supplemental Course Work: During our six-week Summer Academy, students come to campus Monday through Thursday to participate in classes such as Math, Science, Communication & Literature, Spanish, and a variety of fun elective courses. The goal is to help students strengthen their academic skills while preventing the “summer slide.” If a student struggles in a particular subject, Summer Academy provides the perfect opportunity to spend extra time reviewing concepts, asking questions, and building confidence before the next school year begins.
• Residential Experience: As part of our Summer Academy, students have the opportunity to experience college life by living in the Purdue University Northwest residence halls for about a week. This residential experience allows students to get a feel for what college living is like while building independence, making new friends, and creating lasting memories.
• STEM Focus: We are committed to exposing students to exciting opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Through partnerships with STEM organizations in our community, students participate in hands-on experiences that introduce them to a variety of STEM careers. One of our past collaborations included Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry’s MedLab, where students explored careers in the medical field through interactive activities and real-world simulations.
• Summer Travel: We like to end our Summer Academy with an unforgettable educational trip! During the final week of the program, students travel out of state to explore new places, visit colleges and historical landmarks, and create memories that last a lifetime. Some of our past destinations include Los Angeles, California; Atlanta, Georgia; and Washington, D.C. Every year brings a new adventure and another opportunity for students to learn beyond the classroom.