MonticelloLive

The University of Arkansas at Monticello will receive $379,430 per year for the next four years from the U.S. Department of Education to fund the university’s Upward Bound Program, according to Chancellor Jack Lassiter.

The Upward Bound Program serves low income and potential first-generation college students from 10 high schools in five southeast Arkansas counties – Ashley, Bradley, Chicot, Desha and Drew.

“This grant is welcome news for a program we believe is essential to our constituents in southeast Arkansas,” said Lassiter. “The Upward Bound Program has helped many young people achieve their goal of continuing their education at the postsecondary level.”

Upward Bound students are transported to the UAM campus weekly on Wednesday and Saturday evenings for 24 sessions during the academic year beginning in September and concluding in May. A six-week residential program is provided during the summer.

Upward Bound provides enhanced skills and enrichment instruction in mathematics, from algebra through pre-calculus; composition and literature, Spanish, biology, chemistry and physics, including laboratory experience; reading, art and music; and computer applications, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and using the internet.

Upward Bound also includes a Bridge Program for students during the summer between their high school graduation and their enrollment in a postsecondary educational institution. The Bridge Program provides educational services and experiences to help smooth the transition from high school to college.

For more information, contact Regina James, Upward Bound coordinator, at (870) 460-1210.

Pictured: Dominique Allen of Dumas, Deshone Allen of Dumas, Ryan Shaw of Monticello, and LaQuandra Childress of Hamburg are among the southeast Arkansas high school students participating in the Upward Bound Program at the University of Arkansas at Monticello this summer.