Phil Darley
Upward Bound Program Assistant
(308) 635-6122 darleyp@wncc.net
WNCC TRIO - Upward Bound Overview
Purpose of Program
Western Nebraska Community College (WNCC) has successfully maintained an Upward Bound program since 1995. Upward Bound is designed to generate in low-income, potential first-generation college students the skills and motivation necessary to complete high school and to enter and graduate from a program of post-secondary education.
Target High Schools
Four local high schools are targeted for Upward Bound services: Gering, Minatare, Mitchell and Scottsbluff. Since the target high schools are located within a ten-mile radius of WNCC, Upward Bound is close enough for students to have easy access to the campus and for the Program to continue the well-established and valued partnerships with the local schools.
Of the 81 students served during the 2004-2005 program year, the overall standardized test scores of 31% of students increased 1.43 grade levels; 6% maxed out exceeding 12.9+ grade equivalency. 35% increased their test scores by 2 grade levels or more.
During the 2004-2005 program year, 10% of the students achieved a 3.5 GPA and higher (excluding those who started with a 3.5 or higher GPA); 47% improved their grade point average by at least a .20 on a 4.0 scale.
Over 75% of the 2004-2005 program year graduates enrolled in postsecondary educational programs.
Continued support by target high school counselors and administration
Continued support by the WNCC campus and staff
Student Eligibility
Applicants must meet federal and Program guidelines to be considered for admission. Students from the ninth, tenth, and eleventh grade enrolled in the four Upward Bound target high schools are eligible for consideration if they meet those criteria. For example, they must be a citizen of the United States or a permanent resident, from a low-income family and/or a potential first-generation college student (meaning that neither parent has earned a bachelor’s degree), and in need of academic services to graduate from high school and to enter college. Once enrolled, students who meet all Program responsibilities are continued in Upward Bound throughout high school.
High expectations and standards are at the core of the Upward Bound Program.
Services
The Program simulates the college experience by implementing a six-week residential component each summer, and by offering a daily class during the regular academic year in cooperation with the target high school schedules. Upward Bound offers comprehensive and intensive academic, counseling, career, tutorial, and supportive services to each student.
Overview of Services
Academic Year Program
College preparation workshops
Academic advising, counseling, and tutoring services
Information about the college search and application process, including special workshops, financial aid advising, ACT preparation classes
Parent conferences, workshops, and meetings
Cultural, social, and extra-curricular programs
Use of College resources and facilities, i.e. library, Discovery and computer labs
Summer Residential Component
A six-week residential campus experience
College preparation courses in mathematics,
English, science, and foreign language
Counseling and student development workshops
Tutoring and study skills services.
College and career exploration seminars.
Parent conferences and meetings
Cultural, social and intramural programs
Use of Western Nebraska Community College’s resources and facilities, such as the library, computer and Discovery laboratories, and recreation center.
College/University Placements of Upward Bound Students
(1995 -2005)
