Students seeking the road to a bright and prosperous college life should visit the Upward Bound program at Laredo Community College.
Registration is under way for 10th- and 11th-grade students to join this free and exciting college prep experience. Students and/or parents can apply Monday through Thursday through Aug. 31 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Lerma-Peña Learning Center, room 120.
The 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 also may qualify if they come from an economically disadvantaged family.
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.
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.
During the summer, students participate in intensive academic instruction, an educational/cultural field trip and recreational activities.
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.
The LCC Upward Bound program is open to Laredo Independent School District and United Independent School District students. Applications are accepted along with the parents’ most recent income tax return (1040) and utility bill, and the student’s birth certificate, social security card and his/her most recent report card with official transcript.
For more information, call Upward Bound Director Gerardo Martinez by calling 721-5238 or 721-5240.
Office of Marketing and Public Information
West End Washington St.
Laredo, TX 78040-4395
956- 721-5140
Fax 956-721-5443