Upward Bound at Wittenberg will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2016 with a reunion on July 30.
Some past students have gone on to earn doctorates and worked high-profile careers such as physicians and engineers since the program’s inception in 1966.
Director Eddie Chambers has been at Wittenberg for all but the first 12 years. He said it’s been the support of the university and the community that has made Upward Bound a university institution.
“Wittenberg has been extraordinary with in-kind contributions and very supportive with its students,” Chambers said. “The goal is to give high school students a taste of the college experience, and we try to motivate.”
The school offers a nine-month program during the school year as well a six-week program in the summer, giving a range of options and opportunities. More than 100 students participate in Upward Bound year-round.
The program uses Wittenberg students as tutor/counselors who often get an education as well.
Program students can start as early as eighth grade, which is where current tutor/counselor and Wittenberg senior Stephen Tyler was when he joined Upward Bound.
The Shawnee High School graduate came away with more than just life skills and college prep.
“Without it I don’t know if I’d have gotten to college,” said Tyler. “As many as can take it should take advantage of what Upward Bound offers.
“I’m best friends with my tutor/counselor. I like seeing the students who come back and want to become tutor/counselors themselves.”
Being a tutor/counselor also helps with Tyler’s goal to become a teacher.
Fellow senior tutor/counselor Russell Williams hadn’t heard of Upward Bound until coming to Wittenberg. It’s preparing him as well for an education career.
“I was surprised by the summer program, which is so immersive, and how big an impact it has had. If you want to be an educator, you’ll be surprised. It really teaches you to think on your feet.” Williams said.
Chambers said the program has a retention rate of 80 to 90 percent. The program works with school counselors, while some referrals are from word-of-mouth.
He’s also proud to share the accomplishments of program alumni in the program newsletter. One of the most successful has been South High and Wittenberg graduate Aaron Davis, who went on to an important role in HIV/AIDS prevention.
Local high school students Lexxus Thomas and Avian Evans were directed to Upward Bound through friends’ recommendations.
Thomas, a Catholic Central junior, wants to study theology after graduation. She already has a full life with school and playing for the Irish basketball team.
Yet she makes Upward Bound a mandatory part of her life.
“I feel like I’ll be more committed to things with it,” Thomas said. “I used to half-do things and wasn’t motivated, and now I want to finish things. It will be a positive for the long run.”
A sophomore at the Global Impact STEM Academy, Evans is considering three potential careers. Having the skills to prepare for those in school is his focus.
“They’ve shown me what I can do to handle school better. I can figure out what will better me and help me make better decisions and figure out what you can do later in life or if you change your mind,” he said.
Chambers said the key for Upward Bound to making it another 50 years is a matter of funding and making sure the program is well known in the community.
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