Upward Bound Scholars Tackle Academic Challenge

Forty-five high school students are spending six weeks this summer at Harvey Mudd College honing their academic skills as part of Upward Bound, a program aimed at positioning students for future academic success.

The federally funded program helps low-income and potential first-generation college students improve their chances of getting into and graduating from a post-secondary institution.

Ninety percent of the high school seniors who participated in the program last year are enrolled in college today, with the majority attending a four-year institution.

Drawn from schools in the East San Gabriel Valley, Upward Bound scholars attend a six-week summer program at HMC that incorporates an intensive math, chemistry and literature curriculum with academic enrichment activities such as computer science, dance, foreign language, SAT test preparation, study hall and group recreation.

Six of this year’s Upward Bound scholars will also participate in two weeks of research; two will work alongside chemistry Professors Karl Haushalter and Katherine Van Heuvelen, two will work with psychology Professor Deb Mashek and two will work with math Professor Mike Orrison.

HMC also hosts Upward Bound residential summer programs at University of California, Davis, University of California, San Diego, and Georgetown University.