Students with dreams of attending college should consider signing up for the Upward Bound program at Laredo Community College.
The college prep program is currently seeking eighth-, ninth- and tenth-grade students to join this free and exciting learning experience. The federal TRIO program, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, is for first-generation college students whose parents do not hold a four-year college degree. Students may also qualify if they come from an economically-disadvantaged family.
Now through May 24, applications can be submitted to the LCC Upward Bound program, Monday through Thursday, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the Lerma-Peña Learning Center, room 120. The hours are extended to 7 p.m. beginning May 16 when LCC enters its summer hours of operation.
Gerardo Martinez, director of the Upward Bound program, said that staff is ready and eager to welcome new participants to the college prep program.
“The application process is easy. We encourage students and their parents to visit the Upward Bound office or call 721-5238 to set up an appointment with staff,” Martinez said.
To apply, students must present the following documents:
Birth certificate
Social Security card
Most recent school report card
Parents’ income tax return
Parents’ utility bill.
The application can be completed at the LCC Upward Bound office, where staff will be available to assist the applicants.
Upward Bound strives to improve the students’ academic skills in English, math, and reading to succeed in post-secondary education. Students also learn about financial aid, scholarships and how to apply for college admission. Additionally, they are exposed to college life through field trips to higher education institutions.
The year-round program consists of three components. During the summer, students participate in intensive academic instruction, an educational/cultural field trip and recreational activities. In fall and spring, Upward Bound offers Saturday meetings, after-school tutoring, cultural field trips, an academic competition, social and career awareness events, and personal/group counseling. The final component, entitled “Bridge,” allows students the opportunity to taste college life by providing scholarships for six college credit hours during the first summer session after high school graduation. The “Bridge” students also enter the business world by participating in a work-study program that attempts to match them to their career choice.
For more information, call the Upward Bound program by calling 721-5238 or 721-5240.
Current and former Upward Bound students recently met at an event to promote the rewarding knowledge, skills and experiences they gained by participating in the college prep program.
Office of Marketing and Public Information
West End Washington St.
Laredo, TX 78040-4395
956- 721-5140
Fax 956-721-5443