Upward Bound at Chesapeake College preps teens for college and beyond

WYE MILLS – Nationally, Upward Bound boasts alumni such as actress Viola Davis and broadcast journalist John Quinones among their ranks. Leaders in business, science, entertainment, and education credit their preparation for future success to the federal program designed to help teens reach their full potential as adults.

For more than 50 years, Upward Bound has been preparing students in -need for college and success after graduation. Students in the program receive guidance and resources from 9thgrade through college. Founded in 1965, it was the first federally funded program to help low-income and first-generation students succeed in higher education and attain middle class status. Locally, the program helped students through the mid-1990s.

Now Upward Bound is back on the Mid-Shore thanks to three federal grants awarded to Chesapeake College this year.

“It seems that every day I hear of someone who benefitted from an Upward Bound experience,” said Executive Director of TRiO Programs Christle Foster. “The skills attained and guidance provided through the program are proven to help students succeed in high school, through college, and on into their early careers.”

Students in the program will receive academic advising, tutoring, mentoring, career exploration, cultural enrichment and stipends.