Upward Bound Program Awarded Grant to Bridge the Education Gap for Low-Income, First-Generation Students

Posted by: Elizabeth Richardson on October 12, 2017, No Comments

East Stroudsburg University’s Upward Bound program was awarded a five-year $2,142,400 grant to help bridge the education gap for low-income, first-generation students. The funding, beginning the 2017-18 academic year, will support the development of students as they acquire the knowledge and skills needed to thrive academically in high school and succeed in college. ESU’s Upward Bound program, currently in its 43rd year, is the second longest consecutively funded program in the state of Pennsylvania.

ESU’s Upward Bound pre-college program will partner with the Allentown School District, the East Stroudsburg School District, and Pocono Mountain West High School to deliver advising, tutoring, and supplemental instruction on Saturdays during the academic year. There is also a summer project that runs for six full consecutive weeks during the summer. These programs ensure eligible students grow academically and socially.

The Allentown School District will be working closely with ESU’s Upward Bound program to strategically align resources to ensure that students meet specific performance criteria meant to help them become successful college students.

During a recent Allentown School District community discussion held in center city, Upward Bound alumni Thomas Parker, superintendent of Allentown Area School District; Julio Guridy ‘84, Allentown city council member; and Uriel Trujillo, ESU Upward Bound director all discussed the ways they benefited from Upward Bound during their college years.

“Upward Bound provided me with much needed mentoring and role models to follow,” Guridy said. “Without the experience of living and learning on ESU’s campus, I may not have attended college, and certainly not have gone on to further my studies at the time I did.”

“Well over 100 years ago, The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education was founded on the principle of accessibility – The founders envisioned a system of higher education where anyone residing in the Commonwealth could gain access to a college degree if they wanted it bad enough and were willing to work hard enough to attain it,” Said Terry Barry, Ed.D., dean of the college of education at ESU. “The success of East Stroudsburg University’s Upward Bound program is a perfect example of the fulfillment of our founder’s vision. ESU’s Upward Bound program works with first generation, low-income students who have a dream of being a college graduate. In addition to academics, Upward Bound teaches its candidates leadership skills, social skills, and self-advocacy skills.”

Dr. Barry continued, “We are incredibly honored to continue our partnership with the Allentown School District to make the dream of attaining a college education a reality for motivated and goal-oriented students who are interested in joining Upward Bound. Having spent a great deal of my career in public education, I know that Allentown School District is comprised of outstanding administrators and teachers who are passionate and work tirelessly for the success of their students.”

“Going to college is a marathon, not a sprint,” said Trujillo. “Students must be focused on the long-term goal – graduation. We serve as coaches, giving students the skills to become independent learners.”

To learn more about ESU’s Upward Bound program contact Trujillo at 570-422-3509 or email utrujillo@esu.edu.