a taste of College Students attend college-bound program [seniors] 53 Attending classes on Saturdays and during the summer may not be something every student wouldhavewanted,but for the students in the Upward Bound program, that was how they dedicated their time. Upward Bound was an academic tutoring program targeted to local high school students.The students usually became involved in ninth grade and stayed with the program until their high school graduation.The program was designed to give students the support and education needed to help in a collegiate setting. UpwardBoundwas a federally funded,grant-based program.The stipulations of the grant required two-thirds of the students to come from a family where neither of the parents attended college, and they must also have fallen in a particular income bracket.The other third must meet at least one of these requirements. For director Katrina Smeltzer, this was a job that she loved going to every day, and that was something that she had never had before. TheUpwardBound staffwent to the different high schools inWhiteCounty to introduce the program to students.Those interested in attending filled out an extensive application,and interviews were made with the prospective students and their parents. “UpwardBound takes a lot of dedication,”Smeltzer said.“Just going through the application process is proof of that.” Fifty-five students participated in Upward Bound during the 2006-2007 school year.They attended classes on Saturdays during the school year and also participated in a summer program that lasted six weeks. During the summer,the students lived on campus,ate in the cafeteria,hung out on the front lawn and got a taste of college life. Spanish professor Dr.Noble Goss taught first and second year Spanish for the summer program.Classes were based on conversation and grammar skills, and quizzes and tests were given. “I just completed my sixth summer with Harding’s program,” Goss said. “This program develops camaraderie between the students and serves as a bridge for college preparation.” Harding graduate Caroline Prestridge was a first time teacher for Upward Bound. Prestridge taught literature and composition classes. “This programwas good for the students,but it also let me get my feet wet and I got real experience teaching,”Prestridge said. The 55 students came from many different area high schools including Pangburn, Searcy and Bald Knob. Prior to Upward bound, many of these students did not know each other. “When they are here, they can be their own person,” Prestridge said. “No one knew what they were like at the school they attend. Here they are all equals.They come fromdifferent backgrounds,but it creates such an awesome dynamic.” The students did not get school credit for Upward Bound, but they did receive tutoring, ACT preparation and supplemental instruction. Different workshops were also held on some weekends. Different county members came and spoke to the students. “To attend, you must be bound to go to college, and nearly 100 percent do attend college after graduation,”Smeltzer said. [Michelle Greer]
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