College prep program looks to attract more high schoolers

Metro Wire Staff

UW-Stevens Point has expanded its reach of a free and engaging college-prep program.

The Upward Bound Program has expanded to high schools in Waupaca, Nekoosa, Almond-Bancroft, and Rosholt, in addition to those in Stevens Point, Wisconsin Rapids, Tomahawk, and Minocqua. Upward Bound, which works with high schoolers who may be the first in their family interested in attending college, is currently seeking applicants in grades 8-11 to begin this college readiness program in 2023.

Interested students may apply to take part in a one or five-week summer program, living at UW-Stevens Point while attending workshops and recreational activities.

Jeff Christensen, an advisor with Upward Bound, said he was excited about the expansion.

“I am a graduate of Waupaca High School and came from a family where my parents did not attend college,” he said. “Reflecting on my work with Upward Bound over the past six years, I wish I’d had this opportunity when I was in high school. It brings me great pleasure to come back to the Waupaca School District and work with students at my alma mater.”

Part of the federal TRIO grant programs funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Upward Bound has been hosted at UW-Stevens Point for more than 50 years, “serving an estimate of 4,400 high school students,” said Judy Young, Upward Bound director.

“Upward Bound has made a great impact for first-generation, low-income high school students in providing access to college and helping them realize that college is possible,” said Samantha Samreth, director of Diversity and College Access at UW-Stevens Point.

To apply or learn more about Upward Bound, go to www.uwsp.edu/upbound.