INDIANAPOLIS, IN (June 2012) – IUPUI University College’s Upward Bound program has been approved for five additional years of funding, having been awarded a $1.3 million grant from the United States Department of Education. This grant will be directed toward continuing to provide low-income and first-generation college students the tools for academic success and to help ensure that these students graduate from high school and are successful in college.
IUPUI Upward Bound is a federally-funded program designed to help eligible high school students prepare for college. The program helps students achieve academic success in high school, select a college, and complete admission and financial aid applications.
“In this challenging funding climate, it is a testimony to the strengths of this program and our staff that [Upward Bound’s] funding was renewed! Upward Bound plays a critical role in University College’s mission of expanding access to higher education, particularly among low-income and first-generation students,” said University College Dean Kathy Johnson.
The IUPUI Upward Bound program is directed by Roxanne Gregg and her team consisting of David Jones, Joyce Kirkoff-Smith, and Tamra Wright.
“Upward Bound has a long history of improving college readiness and expanding access to education among first-generation students, particularly those from underrepresented groups. I believe that IUPUI, as an urban institution, is bound to serve our surrounding community through the programming that Upward Bound provides. University College is the ‘access and success’ engine of IUPUI, so it is perfectly in keeping without our mission that the program is based here. I think that the consequences are that students (and families) will benefit, and the reputations of IUPUI and University College will continue to be associated with our excellent work in this area,” Johnson said.
University College serves as the academic and support unit for entering IUPUI students, providing them with advising, summer bridge programs, first-year seminars, learning communities, mentoring, tutoring, and career services to ensure that students successfully navigate college and transition into their desired majors.
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For more information, contact Harriett Bennett at 317-274-5036 or email hbennett@iupui.edu.