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Upward Bound Math/Science at the University of Delaware

Who is eligible?
As a federally funded TRIO program, the Upward Bound Math/Science program was created to assist high school students who come from a low-income family (as defined by federal guidelines) and/or who have parents/guardians who have not received a four-year college degree. To see if your family qualifies as low income, go to: www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ope/trio/incomelevels.html. Students attending the following target high schools in the 9th, 10th, or 11th grades are eligible to apply: DELAWARE--Christiana, Dover, McKean, Seaford, Smyrna, Sussex Central; MARYLAND--Elkton, North East. A participant must successfully have completed Algebra I or its equivalent prior to the start of the summer program. The student also must be a permanent resident of the United States.

Commitment
For our program to be effective, it is important that students and their families make a strong commitment to the student’s full participation in the program. They are required to agree to and sign a contract and adhere to bottom-line rules that will contribute to their success as members of the UBMS community.

How will UBMS help me?
Our program is designed to enhance students’ academic skills, social interactions and desire to succeed in school, within the structure of a close-knit community. We believe that one of the most important aspects of success is having someone believe in you and support you while you set and achieve goals and follow your dreams. And so, while students are building up study skills in challenging classes, they are also becoming a part of a community of mutual support: students, resident and academic staff all join together to pursue common goals. The academic classes our participants take during the summer program are designed to give them a head start on the coming year so that they will be better prepared and more successful in school. The classes include intensive instruction in mathematics and science, including hands-on experience in laboratories and at field sites and computer facilities. Additionally, the summer program is designed to simulate a college-going experience and give students exposure to cultural events, academic programs and other educational activities.

During the academic year, we provide a number of college-preparatory workshops. Among these are a study skills series, financial aid information, preparing for the college admissions process, exploration of college majors, career trips, and college visits.

UBMS students can also receive SAT and college application fee waivers.

The Summer Program (sample daily schedule)
The goals for the UBMS summer program include increasing students’ academic skills, social interactions and desire to succeed in school, within the structure of a close-knit community. Town Council meetings help strengthen our community-building: each day begins with this gathering of students, residential staff, and administrative staff. This time is used to pass on program information, to deal with community concerns, and to share successes.

Classroom assignment is made by staff review of the student’s high school transcript and use of an interest survey. Students have daily classes in English, Latin, math, and science. Class size is small and taught by an experienced teacher who is assisted by a resident assistant (RA)/tutor—each student receives a great deal of attention. RA/tutors facilitate evening study hours as well as being present during classes. As experienced college students, RA/tutors have insight into the personal and academic challenges our participants face.

There are weekly stipend meetings, where students receive up to $15 a week. This is an opportunity for students to discuss their progress individually with administrative staff members.

The Academic Year
During the academic year, we provide a number of workshops that reinforce our work with participants in preparing for college. Among these are our study skills series, workshops on finding financial aid, the college admissions process, math and science majors, career trips, and college visits. We hold one to two workshops each month, and one to two college tours are offered each semester. All meals, admission costs and transportation are covered by the program. For workshops or events where seating is limited, students are served on a first come-first served basis. All others are placed on a waiting list should a spot open up.

UBMS also provides cultural and fun activities during the academic year, designed to broaden our participants’ horizons. Recent activities include attending a UD football game, holiday trips to Longwood Gardens and New York City, Philadanco and Naturally Seven.

The UBMS program also issues a newsletter containing college-going and financial aid information, study skills advice and updates on our students and program activities.