Alcorn’s Upward Bound Summer Program graduates 50 students
Alcorn’s Upward Bound Summer Program graduates 50 students
Fifty high school students from Adams, Claiborne, Jefferson and Wilkinson counties matriculated from the Alcorn State University Upward Bound 2013 Summer Program held June 2 – July 12. The six-week residential pre-college preparatory program is designed to give low income and first generation high school students the opportunity and experience of college life. This enrichment program provides numerous educational and cultural experiences to the participants.
“The students enjoyed the activities that were held in and out of the classroom on the University’s Lorman and Natchez campuses,” shared Upward Bound Program Director Lucille Donaldson. “It was a pleasure working with this group of bright and well-mannered young people. They appreciate the hard work and creativity of the staff and instructors and showed a steady progress in their academic and social behavior during the course of the program. Six of them will come back to Alcorn as students in the fall.”
She added, “Our motto is ‘Motivating and Cultivating Young Minds to Meet Future Challenges’ and we look forward to continue making a difference in the lives of Mississippi’s youth.”
The highlights of the program were: a dining etiquette class presented by Dr.
Malinda Butler, chairperson of the Department of Education, Safe Driving workshop by Beverley Greene, agency owner, Allstate Insurance Company and Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) staff persons, the Real World Extravaganza held by Natalie Noble, College Access coordinator, Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning(IHL), and a writing project under the direction of the Department of English and Foreign Languages faculty. Students participated in a community service project with Sodexo at the Dr. Clinton Bristow Jr. Dining Facility.
“Students also experienced many culturally enriching activities, but the ones that they remembered the most were witnessing the Medgar Evers Memorial Dedication,” stated Donaldson. “And participating in the program at Pine Grove Baptist Church in Fayette, Mississippi, where our President M. Christopher Brown II was guest speaker.”
Students took several trips with the program: they went to the Big Wheelie Skating Rink in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and visited New Orleans, Louisiana, where they had a chance to see the campus of Xavier University, ride the Algiers Ferry across the river, and spend the afternoon enjoying the Aquarium of the Americas and the IMAX Theatre.
The participants’ parents commended the program and expressed gratitude to the University and the program staff.
“Since enrolling in the program, my son has accomplished many goals. I would definitely recommend the program to other families,” shared Carla Rowe, the mother of Patrick Herbert.
Joann James, grandmother of Diamonte Moore, stated that she found the program to be educational as well as exciting for the kids. “My grandson has learned to be away from home by living with the Upward Bound family.”
Evonne Chambliss, parent of Jakevia Chambliss, said that she likes the program because it prepares the students for college. She proudly shared that her child made a 22 on the ACT. “The overall performance of the program is outstanding.”
Debra Reynolds, a volunteer for the program and parent of DeAmber Reynolds, stated that the program was great for her child. “She met new friends and improved academically.”
For more information on the program, contact Lucille Donaldson at [email protected] or 601. 877.6224.
Summer Program participants.
