South's Upward Bound Grant Renewed Another Five Years

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Posted on June 7, 2022

Lance Crawford

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The University of South Alabama has received a five-year renewal for a federally funded grant to support its Upward Bound program. It provides high school students from income-eligible families in which neither parent holds a bachelor's degree fundamental support in their preparation for college. 

Upward Bound’s goal is to increase the rate at which participants complete high school, then enroll in, and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.

“The UB Summer Scholars Residential Program is designed to expose students to the college environment, by stimulating and enhancing their interest in college life,” said Antosha Johnson, coordinator Upward Bound. “Students will attend a six-week summer session on the USA campus and will have full use of all facilities that traditional USA students utilize, while receiving intensive instruction by certified Mobile County Public School educators in Science, Math, English and a foreign language.”

The grant also requires South to provide guidance and assistance with secondary school re-entry, alternative education programs, postsecondary enrollment and information on the full range of federal student financial aid programs as well as all other benefits and resources.

USA Upward Bound target schools include Williamson High School, Blount High School and Vigor High School. The academically rigorous program boasts a 20-plus year track record of success.  

“The required annual performance review reveals 67-percent of USA Upward Bound students enroll in and complete their post-secondary education.” Johnson said. 

Johnson gives the program’s previous coordinator Dr. Rochelle Johnson much of the credit for Upward Bound’s success. 

“I was confident when I accepted this position in March that Dr. Johnson’s work and dedication to outreach education would allow me pick-up and continue to provide students with access to educational, cultural, and life-shaping opportunities that will provide a solid foundation as each student transitions into postsecondary education,” she said.

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